The chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced she will carry on the 5p a litre fuel duty cut, which was set to expire in March 2026.
As part of the budget, she announced: "Under current plans, the temporary 5p cuts to fuel duty that was introduced during the pandemic will come to an end in April, and fuel duty will be uprated in line with inflation.
"But I know that the cost of traveling to and from work is still too expensive, and so I'm extending the five feet cut until September 2026."
She added: "Because I know that changes in wholesale prices are not always passed on to motorists, I am bringing in new rules to mandate petrol forecourts to share real time price rises to a new Fuel Finder, empowering drivers to find the cheapest fuel, calling out rip off and strengthening competition, saving the average household £40 pounds a year."
The average fuel price for the week of November 17 2025, was 135.07 pence per litre for unleaded petrol and 143.97 pence per litre for diesel.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar , says: "The current fuel tax rate for standard petrol and diesel is 52.95 pence per litre, and it has been at this level since March 2022."
Richard's tips for reducing fuel usage to keep petrol prices down
1. Pick the most efficient route
It isn’t always the shortest route that will save your fuel bill. If you are constantly stopping in traffic or at traffic lights, this will use up fuel. Make sure to check traffic apps and pick the most efficient route to help reduce your fuel bill.
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2. Pump up your tyres
Underinflated tyres can create a drag and, over time, cause you to use much more fuel. Tyres should be checked on a regular basis, ideally once a month. It is important to check tyre pressure PSI before embarking on a long journey or when carrying a heavy load.
3. Travel light
Extra weight can increase your vehicle's fuel consumption, so removing heavy items, such as roof boxes or bike racks, is an easy way to save money on fuel.
4. Plan ahead
When embarking on a long journey, get familiar with the cheapest stop-offs to fill up on fuel; different service stations offer different rates, so a quick search to find the best prices in your area can make a big difference.
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