UK to Delay Hike in Motor Fuel Tax to Show Action on Prices

May 20, 2026, 3:49 PM UTC

The UK will delay a planned hike in motor fuel duty in a bid to ease the pressure on drivers since the war in Iran erupted.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that the government will maintain the current duty rates until the end of the year after a surge in petrol and diesel prices triggered by the conflict. Bloomberg reported the plans shortly before the announcement.

Fuel duty was due to increase by 1 pence per liter in September and rise a further 2 pence in December and 2 pence in March 2027.

The ...

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