Petrol and diesel drivers urged to visit fuel station 'before a £2.40 increase tomorrow' - 'Don't forget!'

One of the key changes impacting motorists could be regarding fuel duty. The 5p freeze on fuel duty has been in action since March 2022 after then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak intervened to help address expensive petrol and diesel prices.

Since then, it has been extended twice and is set to expire in March 2025. By scrapping fuel duty, the Government could claw back billions of pounds to address public spending concerns.

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Many have predicted that a cut will be introduced since petrol and diesel prices have fallen dramatically since the start of the year. There were also concerns that the 5p per litre cut was not being passed on by major retailers and supermarkets.

Councillor Simon Fawthrop, who represents Petts Wood and Knoll for Bromley Borough Council, issued a warning on social media sites, calling on motorists to visit a forecourt before tomorrow.

Fawthrop, who describes himself as an "anti-Ulez campaigner and free speech advocate", posted on X, formerly known as Twitter saying: "Drive a petrol/diesel vehicle?

"Don't forget to fill up before #RachelThieves slaps a £2.40 per tank increase in fuel duty on 30/11/24."

This follows a suggestion from Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, who said a 7p rise in fuel duty would be a "major blow" to motorists who continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

Speaking in Parliament earlier today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to rule out changes to fuel duty before the Budget tomorrow after Conservative Saqib Bhatti MP stated that hardworking people would be hammered by any changes.

In response, she said: "The previous Government factored into their forecast an increase in fuel duty this year. I will set out our plans in the Budget tomorrow."

At present, a litre of petrol costs 135.32p per litre, while diesel drivers are paying around £1.40, according to RAC Fuel Watch.

If the 5p per litre hike were to be scrapped, and fuel duty was lifted in line with inflation, prices could rise by around 7p per litre, adding a few extra pounds more to every tank of fuel purchased.

A commenter criticised Councillor Fawthrop for "starting a load of miserable queues" if petrol and diesel drivers were to visit forecourts before the Budget announcement at midday tomorrow.

In response, Fawthrop said: "My good nature, just trying to save people a few pounds and pennies whilst they have the opportunity."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver the Autumn Statement after midday tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30. Drivers could be at risk of more than just price hikes, as detailed by GB News.

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Speaking previously to GB News, an HM Treasury spokesperson, said: “Following the spending audit, the Chancellor has been clear that difficult decisions lie ahead on spending, welfare and tax to fix the foundations of our economy and address the £22billion hole in the public finances left by the last Government.

"Decisions on how to do that will be taken at the Budget in the round.”