Charities in South West England are warning that rising global fuel prices are threatening their ability to operate, with some services at risk of being reduced or cancelled. Prices have surged since late February following military strikes involving the United States and Israel and Iran, pushing petrol and diesel to their highest levels in more than three years.

Cornwall Heritage Trust, which provides transport grants for primary school visits to historic sites, said higher fuel costs mean it can fund fewer miles. Education and outreach manager Caroline Davey said trips to landmarks such as Pendennis Castle may no longer take place if prices continue to climb, limiting access to cultural experiences for thousands of children.

In Devon, South West Blood Bikes, a volunteer-run charity that delivers medical supplies free of charge for the National Health Service, is also feeling the strain. Chair Steve Dower said sustained high fuel costs could add thousands of pounds to its annual bill, posing a significant risk to the charity’s sustainability and potentially increasing costs for the health service if alternative transport had to be used.