ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to explain how and why petroleum oil has reached the position over the last century, and to review previous occasions of petrol shortages in the United Kingdom (UK). It considers two complementary trends: the growth in demand and supply of petroleum oil during the twentieth century; and the growth of ownership and use of private motorcars in the UK. The chapter reviews the four previous occasions when shortages in petroleum fuel have bitten into national economy: World War 2 and its aftermath; the Suez crisis of 1957; the Arab-Israeli war of 1973-74; and the Iran-Iraq war of 1979-80. Rationing of petrol for private cars was introduced on 23 September 1939, only 20 days after the declaration of war. Petrol prices reflect both commercial factors and Government taxes; the first petrol tax was imposed in April 1909. Government also increased the motor fuel tax on 5 December 1956, from 2s 6d to 3s 6d, to restrain consumption.
