10th straight weekly fuel price rise – and it could get worse
Drivers have been hit with a 10th successive week of fuel price hikes, according to government figures.
The average cost of a litre of unleaded in the UK now stands at more than £1.30, while the average litre of diesel will set motorists back by £1.34.
The increases come at the back of what has been labelled a ‘rollercoaster’ summer at the pumps, with fuel prices rising erratically.
Prices could be set to rocket further following Chancellor Philip Hammond’s hint this week that he may unfreeze the fuel duty rate in this Autumn’s budget.
READ MORE: Petrol hits highest price in over four years
Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
The cost of filling up the average 55-litre family vehicle has risen by around £6 since April, and Mr Hammond’s fuel duty suggestion would see that cost increase.
In an announcement to MPs, Mr Hammond said fuel duty “would have to be looked at again in the context of the economy today.”
Fuel duty has remained at a rate of 58p per litre since 2011, following former Chancellor George Osbourne’s decision to introduce a freeze.
But in the face of NHS funding needs and uncertainty surrounding the Brexit deal, an end to the fuel duty freeze could be used as a bid to balance the books.
TRACK LIVE PRICES: RAC Fuel Watch
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes does not believe that now is the time for fuel duty increases.
He said: “Motorists contribute around £46bn of motoring-related taxation to the Treasury each year so pay their fair share in tax. Pump prices are now at their highest level in four years.
“Given that drivers are spending around £8 more to fill up their tanks each time they are at a petrol station than they did a year ago, we'd argue that this is not the time to be considering a fuel duty rise.
“It is also important to note that the Treasury has been benefiting from the additional VAT drivers are having to pay as a result of higher fuel prices.”
Copyright Press Association 2018. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
You might also like
How to save fuel – the ultimate guide
8 industry-expert tips for how to save fuel: looking at cruise control, the speed you drive, what gear you drive in and how much fuel you carry
Safe driving with health issues: from pregnancy to old age
Various health issues and life changes can affect your ability to drive, but you might not recognise it. Check out our guide to the main things that can impair your driving.
What happens after I pass my driving test?
To help clear the confusion facing learner drivers or anyone that's just passed their test, our essential guide answers your most pressing questions.
What are the most reliable cars available now
The RAC have analysed 2019’s major surveys into vehicle safety and reliability and picked out 10 of the most reliable cars available to UK drivers.
The school run – your ultimate guide
For many, the school run one of those unavoidable parts of the day. We’ve put together an essential guide for parents to help with the school run.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10