Scrap ‘disastrous’ fuel duty hike - Helen

Helen Morgan MP has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap a “disastrous” forthcoming fuel duty hike as war in Iran threatens a surge in prices.

Helen warned that people living in rural areas faced a “perfect storm” of soaring global prices and poor public transport, on top of the new tax hike.

Helen said the Chancellor should reverse her fuel duty hike, set to hit UK drivers with a 1p rise this September - the first such increase in 15 years. Her call came after the Chancellor delivered her Spring Statement on Tuesday (03rd March), in which she gave an update on the state of the country’s economy.

Experts have suggested the ongoing conflict in Iran will push petrol prices to record highs, with AA President Edmund King warning that price spikes could hit drivers in ten to 12 days.

Helen said she was “deeply concerned” that the soaring cost will hit local commuters and families who rely on their cars to get to work and school, especially in North Shropshire, where public transport options are lacking.

Helen said: “People in North Shropshire are already struggling with the cost of living, and the prospect of record-breaking prices at the pumps could be disastrous.

“I’m deeply concerned that spiralling petrol costs will land on the shoulders of already-strained local commuters, families and businesses who can’t rely on public transport to get to work, school, hospitals or high streets.

“The Chancellor must scrap this planned increase which hits rural areas hardest. It’s the least she can do to help local families to weather this perfect storm.”

ENDS
Notes to Editors
• AA President Edmund King warned (Sunday 1 March) that the turmoil in Iran “will inevitably lead to price hikes,” with “record prices at the pumps” expected within “10 to 12 days”: see reporting here
• Fuel duty in the UK is set to rise from September 2026. The current 5p-per-litre reduction, originally introduced in 2022, is scheduled to be reversed in stages: a 1p increase in September 2026, followed by 2p in December 2026, and a final 2p in March 2027.