Rachel Reeves handed stark warning by fuel campaigner as Britain's crisis worsens: 'Should have intervened weeks ago!'

Georgia Pearce
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:57:56 +0000

Howard Cox, the founder of FairFuelUK, has urged the Government to take immediate action on fuel prices as Easter approaches.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Cox stated: "People are worried, just really about the cost, but the supply of fuel is not a problem."

An estimated 21 million car journeys are expected to take place across the Bank Holiday Easter Weekend.

The predicted travel chaos comes as motorists deal with soaring petrol and diesel prices, as the conflict in the Middle East rages on and sends prices at the pump as high as £2 a litre for diesel.

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He argued that ministers should have stepped in "about two to three weeks ago" to address the situation.

Mr Cox explained that whilst approximately 30 per cent of oil passing through the Straits of Hormuz and Red Sea region is affecting speculator behaviour, actual fuel supplies remain largely unaffected.

However, he noted diesel presents particular challenges due to significant imports from the Netherlands and United States.

Mr Cox pointed to international precedent, noting that 39 nations worldwide have already implemented measures such as fuel duty cuts or caps to support motorists.

He called on the Government to introduce a temporary reduction in fuel duty lasting between three and six months.

"37 million drivers in this country who contribute £1billion a week to the Exchequer, all that she's got to do is for three to six months, actually promise to cut fuel duty in that period of time and promise to scrap any increase from the Autumn Budget in the lifetime of this Parliament," Mr Cox said.

He suggested such action would satisfy both consumers and markets whilst boosting spending power.

A recent FairFuelUK survey, which garnered responses from 78,000 participants, revealed the broader economic consequences of rising fuel costs.

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According to the findings, 65 per cent of those polled indicated they have been forced to reduce expenditure on leisure activities, dining out and entertainment.

Mr Cox emphasised that the financial strain extends well beyond the forecourt, affecting high street businesses and recreational spending more broadly.

"It's more than just actually driving, the impact on the High Street and everything to do with actually enjoying ourselves is being impacted," he told GB News.

With Easter representing the peak period for road travel, Mr Cox warned that motorists will continue making their journeys despite the financial pressures.

"They're not going to stop going, but unfortunately the impact of their residual income, what's in their wallet is being impacted," he said.

The FairFuelUK founder cautioned that diminished disposable income would have knock-on effects for retailers and the entertainment sector.

"They won't have money to spend in shops or on entertainment or all those sorts of things. So yes, the government should intervene," Mr Cox concluded.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has called on drivers to make use of Labour's new Fuel Finder tool as petrol and diesel prices soar to their highest levels in more than two years.

The Chancellor said: "My priority is protecting family finances and standing up for drivers - and Fuel Finder puts power back into their hands.

"By giving drivers the information they need to see where fuel is cheapest locally, they can avoid being overcharged and continue to fill up as normal."