Budget key points: Fuel duty cut brings ‘much-needed relief’ at the pumps for drivers
The Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed in his Spring Budget that the reduction introduced in March last year will be retained for another 12 months
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Motoring groups welcomed Jeremy Hunt’s decision to extend the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty.
The Chancellor confirmed in his Budget that the reduction introduced in March last year will be retained for another 12 months, and fuel duty will not increase in line with inflation.
This will save the average driver £100 over the next 12 months, Mr Hunt said.
Government figures show the average cost of a litre of petrol and diesel at UK forecourts is around £1.47 and £1.67 respectively.
Prices reached record highs of £1.92 for petrol and £1.99 for diesel in July last year, largely due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine leading to an increase in the cost of oil.
AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: “We are pleased the chancellor has listened to the AA and frozen fuel duty.
“Not only will this save drivers heavy duty pain at the pump, but it will help keep the price of goods and services down as they are mainly transported by road.”
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “We welcome the government’s decision to keep the 5p fuel duty cut in place for another 12 months.
“The cut has given drivers some much-needed relief in what has been the most torrid year ever at the pumps, with price records being broken even after duty was cut.
“Given the importance of driving for consumers and businesses, duty should be kept low to help fight inflation.”
Duty should be kept low to help fight inflation
Mr Hunt’s decision means fuel duty will remain 52.95p per litre for petrol and duty.
Before last year’s cut, it had been frozen at 57.95p since March 2011.
VAT is charged at 20% on top of the total price.
RAC Foundation analysis shows tax makes up around half of pump prices.