Drivers Warned About 8% Fuel Price Hike
Motorists in the UK could end up spending nearly £200 per year more on their fuel if the government increases the cost of petrol and diesel.
The AA has revealed a two-car family will need to find a further £192 every 12 months to be able to afford the same amount of fuel they are currently using, ITV reported.
Chancellor Philip Hammond told the House of Commons that plans were in the pipeline to boost fuel duty by eight pence per litre, following a price freeze for the last seven years.
Fuel duty is currently 57.95 pence per litre, so the increase would be a significant proportion on top of this.
Despite only one per cent of the public supporting Mr Hammond’s possible move, he said they need to consider “the other side of the coin”, with the extra money potentially being used to fund the NHS.
AA president Edmund King said: “Drivers support more funding for the NHS but feel the funding should come from luxuries such as tobacco and alcohol rather than from essentials like fuel.”
He added that “many young drivers and low income families would find their budgets crippled” if this fuel price hike goes ahead in the next Budget.
Mr King also noted businesses will be affected by the move, which could have a knock-on effect for the entire economy.
Those who want to keep their car costs down should listen to the advice of Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk, who told the Express that removing heavy equipment from the vehicle, accelerating gently and driving at a steady speed will all help reduce the vehicle’s energy consumption.
It is also a good idea to keep your diesel exhaust filter in top condition to avoid additional expenses on repairs.
