Rachel Reeves faces deadline to cut fuel duty as petrol and diesel drivers suffer - 'Time is of the essence'

Reform UK, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have called on the Chancellor to slash fuel duty
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Calls have been growing for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to cut fuel duty and scrap the planned increases in response to rocketing petrol and diesel prices.
The RAC has warned that fuel prices will continue to rise in relation to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, warns that today would be the "most intense" day yet.
At present, petrol car drivers are paying 137.78p per litre, while diesel costs an average of 151.81p.
However, many forecourts will be charging more, especially motorway service stations, where some forecourts are charging as much as 170 or 180p per litre.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to meet with the organisation to discuss fuel prices, as well as calling for a cut to fuel duty and a temporary cut to fuel VAT.
It warned that the recent spike in fuel prices poses a serious threat to the UK economy and the viability of haulage businesses.
Road haulage represents 81 per cent of all UK freight movement, although many operators work on "wafer-thin" margins of less than two per cent, prompting the RHA to highlight the critical nature of current fuel rates.
Richard Smith, managing director of the RHA, said: "The road transport sector is the backbone of the UK economy, and when fuel prices spike, the impact is felt on supermarket shelves and household budgets across the country.

The Road Haulage Association has called on Rachel Reeves to slash the rate of fuel duty to protect drivers
|GETTY/PA
"We are asking the Government to freeze planned fuel duty increases, act on energy security, and meet with us urgently. Time is of the essence."
Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would keep an eye on the developing situation in the Middle East and fluctuating fuel prices.
The Labour MP for Leeds West and Pudsey called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to make note of any forecourts that are taking advantage of hard-pressed motorists by profiteering at the pumps.
While Brent crude oil prices have fallen in recent hours from a peak of just under $120 (£89), costs remain high, and could change further as the United States threatens further strikes on Iran.
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has urged the Government to cut the rate of fuel duty amid soaring prices | PAIsrael struck several key oil refineries across Iran over the weekend, prompting prices to soar, with Iran threatening to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch spoke earlier today, urging the Government to scrap the planned hike in fuel duty rates, especially as drivers continue to face soaring costs.
She noted that the Conservatives introduced a new motion in Parliament to force a vote to stop Labour from making any changes to the rate of fuel duty.
This was echoed by Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride, who said: "Labour is hiking fuel duty by five pence per litre. The first such increase since 2011, and that means increased costs for commuters, families and businesses.
The price of Brent Crude oil has fallen over the last 24 hours, although it remains higher than in previous days and weeks | OILPRICE.COM"And it comes just as global oil prices are rising because of the war in Iran. The Conservatives are demanding a vote in Parliament so that we can stop the rise."
The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, also weighed in and called for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to call for a COBRA meeting in response to soaring oil costs.
He warned that the Prime Minister "cannot stand back while Trump's illegal war causes soaring petrol prices" for families across the UK.
"The Government must scrap the fuel duty hike right now and reassure families that they won't be seeing a £500 spike to their energy costs this year. Anything less would be a betrayal," Sir Davey said.










