UK Budget: RAC reacts to continued fuel duty freeze

Commenting on the announcement that fuel duty is to remain frozen at 57.95p per litre for 2022-23, RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said:

“We welcome the Chancellor’s confirmation that duty will continue to remain frozen at 57.95p a litre. With pump prices at record highs, now would have been the worst possible time to change tack and hike up costs still further at the forecourt. If duty had gone up, RAC data suggests the average price of a litre of petrol could have reached 147p taking the cost of a tank to over £80, and diesel an eye-watering 150p.

“But we’re disappointed he did not provide some respite for drivers at the pumps. As VAT is charged on the final cost at the pumps, a temporary cut in VAT to motor fuels would have benefitted drivers immediately at time when filling up the car is hurting household budgets more than ever before as well as the wider economy as people will have less money to spend.”

Find out more about current UK petrol and diesel prices via RAC Fuel Watch.
​

Press team

Press team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Price of diesel reaches record high
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The average price of a litre of diesel has now reached the highest level in UK history at 199.18p, in what will be a financial blow to households and businesses that use their vehicles regularly. The cost of filling up an average family car is now almost £110, £31 more than it was at the start of the US/Iran conflict. By eclipsing the previous highest price of 199.09p seen in June 2022, the diesel price has entered new uncharted territory. This spells pain not only at the pumps for drivers, but for everyone who buys goods or services that rely on diesel lorries and vans; undoubtedly these increased costs will be passed on to consumers.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Diesel teeters on brink of all-time high
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The average price of diesel is teetering on the brink of a new all-time high at 198.32p, taking the cost of a 55-litre fill-up for a family car to £109.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Record diesel price looms
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "The price of diesel continues to move steadily towards a new all-time high. A litre now averages 197.31p across the country, meaning it's just under 2p (1.78p) from surpassing the 199.09p record set on 25 June 2022, although we’re aware of many forecourts already charging in excess of this.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

About the RAC

The RAC is an iconic British driving services brand and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted names, providing complete peace of mind ® to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk