‘Selfish’ Woman Seen Filling Plastic Bags With Petrol as Fuel Prices Surge

A motorist has sparked outrage after being filmed pouring petrol into plastic shopping bags during the UK’s latest fuel price crisis.

The astonishing footage shows the woman filling supermarket carrier bags with fuel before placing them loosely in the boot of her car — without attempting to seal or secure them. The clip, filmed by the baffled driver waiting behind her, has now been viewed more than 10 million times online.

The incident comes as rising oil prices and global supply disruption — triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East — have pushed UK fuel costs sharply upwards, prompting panic buying reminiscent of 2021.

Strait of Hormuz disruption driving global panic

According to reports, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that handles around 20% of the world’s oil trade. Attacks on vessels have left crews too afraid to travel through the region, causing major delays and uncertainty.

This turmoil has sent UK drivers rushing to forecourts, with fuel spending jumping 10.9% in a week.

Online backlash: “We’re not going to run out of fuel, love”

Social media users were quick to condemn the woman’s actions.

One commenter wrote:  

“This is just selfish. Look at her desperation. We’re not going to run out of fuel, love.”

Others pointed out the obvious safety risks:

- “What does she think will happen when she goes round a corner?”  

- “The petrol will eat through those plastic bags.”  

- “Sainsbury’s shopping bags though? At least use a jerry can.”

Fuel prices continue to climb

The latest figures show:

- Diesel: 181.2p per litre (up from 142.4p on Feb 28)  

- Petrol: 152p per litre (up 14%)  

The RAC is urging drivers to use the myRAC app to find the cheapest fuel locally.

Will the UK run out of oil?

A JP Morgan map circulating online shows when the final shipments of Gulf oil are expected to reach global destinations. It suggests most UK deliveries could cease by April 10, with Asia and parts of Africa affected even earlier.

However, analysts say actual shortages are unlikely, though prices may continue to rise.