The UK government is to discuss how to diversify energy supplies following the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine, Downing Street said.
Petrol prices for UK drivers have hit record highs of more than £1.60 a liter in recent days.
The prime minister’s spokesman said talks with Saudi officials are aimed at addressing market volatility but no “quick fixes” are available.
81 men were executed in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
MPs will later debate human rights in the country, with Conservative Crispin Blunt asking Secretary of State Liz Truss to comment on the deaths.
Human rights organizations say many of those executed did not receive fair trials, but the Saudi government denies this.
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The average price of petrol for British drivers reached £1.63 a liter on Sunday, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine driving up costs.
Asked if Britain wanted Saudi Arabia – the world’s second largest oil producer – to increase supplies, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will be speaking to the Saudis on a range of issues, not just energy supplies.
“Diversifying our energy supply is important, as is promoting renewable energy. There are no quick fixes, but we want to reduce volatility and lower prices.”
Saudi Arabia says those executed on Saturday, including seven Yemenis and a Syrian, were convicted of “several heinous crimes” including terrorism, torture, rape and arms smuggling.
The death toll exceeded the 69 who met that fate throughout 2021.
“Britain is firmly opposed in principle to the death penalty in every country,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesman.
“We continue to raise human rights issues with other countries, including Saudi Arabia. We are not afraid to raise these issues with our partners.”
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