Video shows queue for fuel in Spain, not UK

23 March 2026

What was claimed

A video shows motorists in the UK facing long queues at fuel stations.

Our verdict

False. This video was filmed in Seville in Spain.

A video circulating on social media with claims about long queues for fuel in the UK was actually filmed in Seville in Spain.

Although there have been some reports of queues at petrol stations in the UK in recent weeks, this footage—shared in posts published on 9 and 10 March—was actually filmed at a Costco garage in Spain, reportedly on 2 March.

Debunk image petrol queue in Seville

Fuel prices have risen globally amid the US-Israel war with Iran, and on Monday the Prime Minister was reportedly due to chair an emergency meeting to deal with cost of living pressures caused by the war.

But we’ve not seen any evidence to suggest that right now the UK “could run out of petrol within two days”, as claimed in some captions circulating alongside the video.

Trade association Fuel Industry UK said in a statement posted on 16 March (six days after the social media posts) that the “UK situation remains stable with suppliers working hard to deliver normal levels of supply through a mix of UK refinery production and imported fuels”. And on Monday (23 March) the Petrol Retailers Association said “there is no suggestion of shortages” and “supplies are stable”, though it also warned pump prices may continue to rise.

Before sharing content which you see on social media, it’s important to consider whether it comes from a trustworthy and verifiable source—our toolkit contains guides to help you do this.

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