Labour set to freeze fuel duty in Budget as petrol and diesel drivers secure victory
Two men charged with National Security Act offences over RAF Fairford incident
TL;DR
- Chancellor John Healey is expected to freeze fuel duty in the upcoming Budget.
- This decision comes amid pressure due to soaring petrol and diesel prices, exacerbated by the war in the Middle East.
- Diesel prices reached their highest ever level in October.
- The fuel duty freeze would continue a policy initiated in 2022 by Rishi Sunak.
- A Treasury source indicated the freeze aims to support motorists and working people.
- Current average prices are 173.45p per litre for petrol and 198.86p for diesel.
- Without a freeze, fuel duty rates are scheduled to increase in January 2027 and March 2027.
- Inflation-linked rises could lead to the highest fuel duty rates in 16 years by April.
- The road haulage industry is facing significant extra costs, with businesses paying an extra £385 per week per vehicle.
- Eight in 10 people surveyed expressed concern about fuel price rises.
- The Road Haulage Association has called for the planned fuel duty rises to be scrapped and for a rebate for businesses.