SOARING fuel prices due to US-Israel war with Iran has put a “considerable strain" on taxi drivers and businesses across BCP.
A conflict-driven fuel price surge is raising airfares, affecting global airlines, businesses and taxi drivers in the country.
According to ONS, the average price of petrol rose by 8.6 pence per litre between February and March 2026, compared with a fall of 1.6 pence per litre between February and March 2025.
The average price stood at 140.2 pence per litre in March 2026, the highest price since August 2024 when it was 142.3 pence per litre.
Those working in the industry have said the trade is has been hit hard with uncertainty of future.
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The effect is being felt widely across the industry, especially given the persistently high fuel prices.
Ahmed Mohammed, representative of the Bournemouth Taxi Rank Association and treasurer of the BCP Taxi and Private Hire Association, said many drivers are working longer hours just to maintain their income.
He said: “This situation is affecting all areas of work, including school transport, short local journeys and longer-distance trips.
“Personally, I experienced three airport job cancellations in a single week.
"The reasons are often unclear, but it reflects the growing uncertainty drivers are having to deal with.”
He said the trade is under “considerable strain”, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the profession if conditions continue.
He said: "We fully recognise that passengers are also facing significant financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis, which makes it difficult to pass on these rising costs through fare adjustments.
"Overall, the trade is under considerable strain, and there is growing concern about the long-term sustainability and welfare of professional drivers should these conditions continue."
Ahmed added: “On a personal note, I’ve even had customers offer small contributions towards fuel costs, which shows how visible and significant the issue has become.”
In Poole, driving school owner Vlad Tibuleac, of VLD Driving School, said the business might have to increase driving lessons fees if the situation continues.
His driving school has more than 90 students.
Vlad said: “I don’t know how long we can keep these prices because if the prices are going up and up and up, I think we need to change something.
"We’re not the cheapest, but we’re not the most expensive either, and we’re trying to hold prices for now because everyone is struggling.
“But it’s very difficult. We have six instructors, and costs are going up all the time. When I go to the petrol station, it’s £15 to £20 more each time something like that for a full tank of fuel.
"It’s a real challenge.”
According to figures released on April 22, from the Office for National Statistics, Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose 3.3 per cent in the year to March, up from three per cent in February.
These are the first from the Office for National Statistics to include elevated petrol and diesel costs since the start of the conflict.
Prices have gone up as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor.
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