'I don't want the children to see how worried we are': UK family finances hit by Iran war

The war in Iran, thousands of miles away, is having a tangible and distressing impact on ordinary British families, as highlighted by the struggles of Naomi and her family. For them, the conflict isn't a distant geopolitical event; it's a direct cause of financial strain that affects their ability to provide essential care for their daughter, Riziah. The surge in fuel prices, directly linked to the war's disruption of oil and gas supplies, means that routine hospital trips, once a manageable expense, have become a significant burden.

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I don't want the children to see how worried we are.

Naomi's account of spending nearly £130 to fill up their van, an increase of about £30 per week, underscores the harsh reality faced by many. This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about difficult choices. Families like Naomi's are forced to cut back elsewhere, a stressful situation made worse by the worry of how to shield their children from their financial anxieties. The rising cost of living, already a concern, is now exacerbated by this international conflict.

Beyond fuel, the war's ripple effects are also felt in energy bills. Riziah's reliance on medical devices means the family needs to keep her home warm and powered, adding to their energy consumption. With predictions of further increases in the energy price cap, the pressure on household budgets is set to intensify. This situation is a stark reminder that global events have local consequences, impacting the most vulnerable among us.

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We've just filled up the van and it's cost us just short of £130. How is that doable? To just carry on filling up your van each time.

From our perspective at BBC Panorama, this story is crucial because it brings the abstract consequences of international conflict into sharp focus. While Western media might focus on the strategic implications of the Iran war, we aim to show how it directly affects the daily lives and financial well-being of UK citizens. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil transport, is a prime example of how geopolitical instability translates into increased costs for ordinary people, forcing them to make difficult sacrifices.

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The family is spending about £30 extra a week on diesel since the war started on 28 February, she says.