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UK economy shrank by 0.1% in April as Iran war held back growth

The Guardian Business Friday 12 June 2026, 06:02 UTC By Heather Stewart Economics editor 1 min read
Key Points

GDP hit by higher energy prices caused by Middle East conflict, after 3% rise in MarchThe UK economy contracted by 0.1% in April as the Iran war began to take its toll on growth, official figures show. As energy prices have risen as a result of the conflict, after Iran closed off the strait of Hormuz – a key shipping route for global trade – the UK’s strong expansion in the first quarter had been expected to slide into reverse.

GDP hit by higher energy prices caused by Middle East conflict, after 3% rise in March

The UK economy contracted by 0.1% in April as the Iran war began to take its toll on growth, official figures show.

As energy prices have risen as a result of the conflict, after Iran closed off the strait of Hormuz – a key shipping route for global trade – the UK’s strong expansion in the first quarter had been expected to slide into reverse.

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UK (LOCATION) Iran (LOCATION) Middle East (LOCATION) MarchThe (LOCATION) the Iran war (EVENT) Hormuz (LOCATION)
Originally published by The Guardian Business Read original →

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