Petrol and diesel drivers are paying £330 more per year for work travel, according to the AA, which is urging Chancellor John Healey to cut fuel duty in the upcoming Budget on October 28. The motoring organisation has called on the Labour government to protect the existing fuel duty cut and implement an additional 5p reduction per litre.
AA data shows rising pump prices
The AA's findings show drivers are paying an average of 174.27p per litre for petrol, while diesel motorists face 199.27p per litre. Petrol is now 24 per cent more expensive than it was at the start of the Iran war, meaning drivers are forking out 42.56p more for every litre.
The AA estimates that someone commuting 30 miles every day in a petrol car averaging 40 miles per gallon could spend £1,367 a year over 46 working weeks. Compared to prices seen before the Middle East conflict, drivers are now paying £334 more every year just to go to work.
AA president calls for relief at the pump
AA President Edmund King said: "For millions of people, filling up isn't discretionary spending, it's part of the cost of going to work."
"A hospital cleaner starting an early shift, a supermarket worker travelling home late at night or a warehouse worker starting before public transport is running can’t simply choose to work from home," he added. "That's why we're asking the Chancellor to protect the existing fuel duty cut and go further with another 5p reduction. Working people and businesses need meaningful relief at the pump."
Petition gains 30,000 signatures in 24 hours
FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox said 30,000 supporters have backed a petition calling for an immediate cut in fuel duty. Mr Cox said: "More than 30,000 people have emailed the Prime Minister and Chancellor within just 24 hours because drivers have had enough."
"They are tired of being treated as cash cows while politicians ignore the reality that affordable road transport is essential to every family, every business and every community in Britain," he continued. "This isn't just about motorists. Every product on every supermarket shelf, every tradesperson, every delivery, every small business and every worker depends on affordable transport."
Chancellor John Healey will deliver his verdict on fuel duty at the Budget on October 28, with drivers and business groups awaiting the outcome.
