Petrol prices hit Iran war high as oil tops $100 again Economics Petrol prices in the UK have hit a new high since the Iran war began, as the price of oil jumped back up to $100 per barrel following fresh US strikes. The average price of a litre of petrol is now 159.43p in the UK, according to motoring services firm the RAC. This petrol price [...]
Starmer scrambles to limit fuel shortage hit Politics Sir Keir Starmer has spelt out a number of policies to address fuel shortages, signalling the government’s fears that the Iran war could hit motorists and households. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended an announcement last year to “phase” new sanctions on Russia, while also trailing a policy to freeze a 5p fuel duty cut [...]
Rachel Reeves to scrap fuel duty hike Economics Rachel Reeves is set to scrap plans to hike fuel duty, following pressure over the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices and the cost of living. Fuel duty was first frozen by the Tories in March 2022 and the Chancellor had extended this hold on the rate until the end of August this [...]
Used EV sales soar as drivers look to curb fuel costs May 12, 2026 Second-hand electric car sales have hit record highs in the first three months of the year, as improving consumer confidence and rising fuel prices pushed more buyers toward used EVs. According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manuacturers and Traders (SMMT), just shy of 87,000 used battery EVs changed hands during that period [...]
Local elections 2026: City awaits ‘significant’ event for Labour leadership May 7, 2026 City giants have warned today’s local elections will be “significant” for market pricing, with traders keeping a close eye on possible leadership moves made by the likes of Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham. Several financial behemoths have lined up to warn investors that results across the country over the coming days could be unusually important [...]
Delay fuel duty hike or risk stalling major transport projects, Labour warned May 1, 2026 The government risks stalling key road and rail infrastructure projects unless it extends the freeze to fuel duty, a leading construction industry body has warned. The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), which represents more than 2,000 firms providing construction machinery and expertise, told CityAM “nothing will get built” if its members pull back from projects [...]
How high will Starmer let fuel prices climb? March 31, 2026 Petrol station forecourts were gripped by panic buying, industry groups warned of the crippling economic impact, supermarkets began rationing bread and milk, hospitals were cancelling appointments, schools closed, the army was on standby and Labour ministers appeared on the brink of losing control of the country. That was just over 25 years ago, when truckers [...]
White van men ‘bleeding cash’ in Iran war diesel chaos March 30, 2026 The country’s fleet of tradesmen are “bleeding cash,” with the Iran war’s fuel chaos pushing the price difference between petrol and diesel to its widest level in decades. A litre of diesel cost 179.9p on Sunday on average – up more than 35p since the Iran war started and 25p higher than petrol, according to [...]
‘No need to take action’ on fuel duty, says Labour minister March 29, 2026 A Labour cabinet minister has pushed back against rallying calls for the government to hand petrol retailers some reprieve, stating there is “no need” to axe the planned hike in fuel duty. Education secretary Bridget Bridget Phillipson said on Sunday the government would “take a view closer to the time” on whether to press ahead [...]
Fuel duty rise ‘under review’ as Iran war response sparks tensions March 11, 2026 Sir Keir Starmer has said a rise in fuel scheduled for September is “under review” hours after Rachel Reeves hinted an energy support package could be drawn up. Starmer said fuel duty would remain frozen until September and the policy would be kept “under review in light of what’s happening in Iran” when he was [...]