British governments have repeatedly grappled with fuel shortages throughout history. In 1956-57, Egypt's closure of the Suez Canal triggered severe oil shortages, leading to mandatory rationing that limited private motorists to just 200 miles monthly. Forty years later during the 1973 oil shock, similar rationing measures were prepared but ultimately unused. This week's disruption from Middle East deliveries has prompted Sir Keir Starmer's government to adopt a cautious approach, keeping emergency plans secret to avoid public panic. Forty per cent petrol price increases this month pale compared to the 1973 quadrupling, yet ministers rule out demand-reduction measures like speed limits or free public transport. Experts warn higher public expectations now make crisis management politically perilous.