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Wed, 11 Mar 2026

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 Fuel tax hike plan to be kept under review over Iran, says PM

Fuel duty on petrol and diesel is due to rise from September, when a 5p cut is phased out.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says the planned fuel duty rise from September will be kept under review due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The current 5p cut on petrol and diesel made after Russia's invasion of Ukraine is set to be phased out over six months, but this increase may be delayed or scrapped if oil prices continue to fluctuate. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has committed to keeping the situation under review, saying it's "much too early" to predict where petrol prices will be in September. Prime Minister's Questions saw Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuse Labour of planning a fuel duty hike for the first time in 15 years and predicting another U-turn on the issue. Sir Keir defended his party's handling of the issue, stating that fuel duty is currently frozen until September and that he will keep the situation under review. He also highlighted the government's efforts to work with others to de-escalate the conflict in the region. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey sought assurances on energy bills not rising by hundreds of pounds in July, and Sir Keir replied that households can be reassured that the cap is in place until June.