Any lingering uncertainty over the scale of the disruption caused by restricted oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz was laid bare during evidence given to the Treasury Select Committee.

Dr Amrita Sen, founder and director of consultancy Energy Aspects, described the situation in stark terms, calling it “the biggest disruption in the history of the energy market”.

Earlier, in our 3.55pm update, we noted expert evidence suggesting the present surge in prices has not yet matched the upheaval seen after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Jet fuel, however, is emerging as one of the sectors under the greatest strain.

Dr Sen told MPs the aviation fuel market is facing extraordinary pressure, with much of the world’s supply produced in the Middle East and Asia and few realistic alternatives available elsewhere.

With crude shipments hindered by the dangers around the Strait of Hormuz, refining capacity for jet fuel is being severely affected, tightening supply just as demand remains strong.

As a result, she warned passengers should prepare for steeper ticket prices.

Dr Sen said she expected air fares to rise markedly, adding that higher prices were likely to persist for at least the next few months.