How the war in Iran is affecting one of Britain's most remote and picturesque regions
Living in Cornwall can often feel like you're detached from the rest of the world. However, on occasion, something beyond the seas and rolling hills of the rural-coastal peninsula provides a stark reminder that this beautiful county is more vulnerable to global disruptions than most places in the UK.
Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, I looked at how this global disruption was impacting the residents and businesses of this overlooked corner of Britain.
The United Kingdom has seen a significant rise in the price of oil and gas since the Iran war began.
Blue: Diesel | Green: Unleaded | Source: UK Government (Updated 6/04/2026)
Blue: Diesel | Green: Unleaded | Source: UK Government (Updated 6/04/2026)
“The UK's dependence on global production networks for many of its critical goods and imports comes as the result of a gamble that the country could simply provide services to the world whilst everything else was created elsewhere.” Professor Harry Pitts, a Cornish expert on political economy, explained.
Professor Harry Pitts, University of Exeter
Professor Harry Pitts, University of Exeter
“Cornwall, like elsewhere in the UK, is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions because we are in probably one of the most exposed countries to these systemic shocks worldwide”.
Cornwall is already considered one of the UK's most socio-economically deprived regions, exemplified by growing second-home ownership.
But the key issue relating to fuel prices is car dependency. Young residents often face the brunt of this.
Callum Cook, 22, is a student at Plymouth University, but lives in a remote village in Cornwall.
As he describes, he has no other option but to drive: “where I live in Cornwall, there aren’t even any buses, or any other way of getting around. I’d be stuck at home if I couldn’t use my car.”
He said he is concerned about the price of fuel: “I think the amount it’s risen is ridiculous. I’m still relying on student loans and am having to drive back and forth from Cornwall to Plymouth quite often which is costing a fortune.”
Josiah Batt, also 22, is a delivery driver for a company in Truro. His van fuel costs are covered by his company; however, he has to commute in and out of work. He says he is very concerned about the petrol prices increases.
“It has added a lot of financial stress, as it costs so much more just to get to and from work without any increase in pay to help cover it. There are days when it barely covers my fuel [cost], so there’s a lot less to go towards food and other bills”.
The reliability of Cornwall’s public transit is already heavily criticised, especially since one of Cornwall’s major bus companies ceased trading earlier this year.
Now, with global fuel shortages, there is the worry of increase in bus fares.
For Callum and Josiah, Cornwall’s bus network is not a viable option regardless
Likewise, Cornish businesses are concerned about the war and the effects it will have on fuel and also other less discussed impacts, as Toby Parkins told me.
Toby Parkins, President, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Toby Parkins, President, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Parkins is President of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and represents hundreds of Cornish businesses.
A key concern he has is a global fertiliser shortage, a significant portion of which comes through the Strait of Hormuz. This could impact Cornwall’s farmers, a major sector of Cornwall's economy.
However, the conflict could benefit Cornwall’s largest economic sector: tourism. As a rise in aviation fuel may make international travel unaffordable, the idea is that domestic travel to Cornwall could sharply increase. This is exactly what happened when international travel was limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parkins seemed sceptical: “A rise in domestic tourism is likely, although, considering fuel costs, people may be less likely to travel as far as Cornwall. We obviously would welcome any increase but need to be realistic about just how positive this will be.”
John Carter, Media Manager for GWR, said they would be prepared for a surge: “We’re well placed to respond to changes in demand. We continue to work closely with local partners to promote sustainable travel and ensure we can provide the capacity and resilience needed should more people choose to holiday closer to home.”
Professor Harry Pitts says the war could be an opportunity for Cornwall, owing to its “physical resources and strategic assets - from minerals and energy to critical infrastructure like ports, telecommunications cables and satellite installations”.
“The turn towards more national economies seeking greater sovereignty in the production and supply of physical resources represents an opportunity for Cornish people… Cornwall can achieve this transition if the national government throws its weight behind it in terms of place-based investment and industrial strategy.”
Transition or not, in the meantime, Cornish residents and businesses will continue to face the burden of a war far beyond its beautiful shores.
