UK Drivers Warned of 5p-10p Fuel Price Hike by Weekend as Queues Form
Drivers across the United Kingdom have been issued an urgent warning by petrol experts, with a significant fuel price hike predicted to hit forecourts by the end of this week. Motorists are already reporting long queues forming at petrol stations as anticipation builds.
Imminent Price Surge Forecast
Speaking to GB News, Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, cautioned that pump prices could rise between 5p and 10p per litre within days. "The big worry for me at the moment, because we had a 20 per cent increase in oil prices in the last week, is that we will get something like a 5p to 10p increase at the pumps," Cox stated. "I think that could come through by the end of the week."
Political Criticism and Economic Concerns
Cox expressed disappointment with Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves, arguing she missed a crucial opportunity to alleviate pressure on drivers. "She missed an opportunity here, a massive opportunity. All she had to do is say I'll cancel the fuel duty rise for another year, that's all she had to do," he remarked.
He also voiced strong concerns about profiteering within the fuel supply chain, describing those involved as "opportunistic profiteers." "This Government promised actually they would stop that, but I haven't seen anything yet," Cox added, highlighting a lack of action on unchecked price increases.
Broader Economic and Policy Implications
Cox argued that reducing fuel costs would stimulate the economy, stating: "We're lagging behind everyone, and if she did put more money into people's pockets, they'd spend it - businesses would invest, and they'd employ more people."
Additionally, he dismissed net zero policies as an "Ed Miliband sort of Hans Christian Andersen fantasy of politics" and criticized the proposed 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars. "That needs to be scrapped because the actual benefits of that, the costs are five times more than any alleged benefits, and the costs are real, but the benefits are still in the air," Cox asserted.
Market Trends and Further Warnings
The warning comes amid volatile oil markets. Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, jumped 10% to $82 (£61) a barrel on Monday before easing to $78 on Wednesday. Britain’s AA has indicated that record prices could materialize within the next two weeks, compounding the urgency for drivers to fill up soon.
