The scale of any energy price rises, and the wider impact, will depend on the magnitude of what comes next in the conflict between Israel and Iran. But it does have the potential to be "a bad shock for the global economy at a bad time" says Mohammed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at asset manager Allianz.

Motorists can expect to pay 12¢ a litre more for petrol within weeks if the oil price spike caused by war in the Middle East continues, say economists.

Israel’s stunning attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership are embroiling the Middle East in another deadly war — and could imperil President Donald Trump’s pledge to slash oil prices for American consumers.