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Wed, 08 Apr 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 Government profiting from rising costs 'not right'

The consumer council says the government is profiting from rising fuel costs via taxation.
The head of Jersey's Consumer Council, Carl Walker, has expressed concern that the island's government is profiting from the cost-of-living crisis caused by rising fuel prices. The government charges a 5% goods and services tax (GST) on most imported items, which Walker argues should be reconsidered as the cost of living continues to rise. He notes that islanders are already struggling with high inflation, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Walker suggests that the government could cap or reduce fuel duty to alleviate some of the pressure on households, particularly those who are not eligible for government assistance and are struggling to make ends meet. He also points out that the rising costs affect not just vehicle owners but everyone in Jersey, as energy prices have increased significantly over the past few months. The Consumer Council head estimates that around 1,700 people, or approximately 1.5% of the island's population, rely on food banks to get by. Walker believes that the government should provide more support for those who are struggling, such as vouchers to help with energy bills, and engage in long-term planning to address the issue. The Consumer Council has called on the government to consider capping fuel duty or reducing it to alleviate some of the pressure on households.