Should the 5p fuel duty cut be kept beyond December, even if it means less money for public services?
Fuel duty on petrol and diesel is 52.95p a litre, which is 5p below the long-standing 57.95p rate because of a temporary cut introduced in 2022. In May 2026 the government extended that cut to 31 December 2026 as Middle East conflict pushed up oil prices. Without a further extension, duty is due to start rising in January 2027. Diesel has reached record highs near 200p a litre, and the Budget on 28 October 2026 is expected to settle the question.
7 Opinions
Yes! Cut public spending, we waste so much there! Cut 20% of civil servants, and 20% of middle managers in NHS, we won’t notice a difference
VAT is 20%. The increase in fuel prices have already gifted the government more than 5p in revenue.
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Yes. As long as fuel prices are at all time highs, it makes no sense to raise the duty.
If the duty is raised, everything will cost more putting further strain on the cost of living. That's what happens when prices go up and wages stay the same.
The Government should be focused on curtailing spending, not squeezing taxpayers
There are plenty of things they could cut to maintain the fuel duty relief, without hitting public services.