FairFuelUK warns that rising inflation — from 2.9% to 3.1% — combined with petrol and diesel prices hitting their highest levels in four years, is inflicting severe and accelerating financial damage on households, small businesses and the UK economy.
FairFuelUK says the Government must act now by cutting Fuel Duty and introducing a legally‑enforced PumpWatch regulator to stop unjustified pump price hikes.
Motor fuel is one of the largest contributors to rising inflation, with petrol and diesel up 23% year‑on‑year. Between July and August alone, petrol jumped 9.1p per litre to 161.3p, while diesel surged 14.2p to 181.8p — the steepest monthly rise in years. Prices have continued climbing into September, with petrol now at 170.5p and diesel at 192.9p, the highest sustained levels since 2022.
Brent crude has surged above $100/bbl, driven by Middle East conflict and shipping disruption, pushing pump prices even higher.
Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, said, “Inflation is rising because pump prices are rising — and pump prices are rising because the system is broken. Petrol and diesel are now at their highest levels in four years, and Britain’s drivers are being financially battered. This is not a cost‑of‑living crisis anymore — it’s a cost‑of‑driving catastrophe.
“For 17 years I’ve warned ministers that high pump prices are one of the most influential drivers of inflation. Today’s figures prove it beyond doubt. Every unjustified penny added at the pumps forces inflation higher, crushes household budgets and strangles the economy. The Government must cut Fuel Duty now and introduce a PumpWatch regulator with real legal teeth.
“Drivers are being mugged at the pumps. Small businesses are being suffocated. Hauliers are being crippled and the Treasury is quietly pocketing a VAT windfall from every price rise. It’s indefensible.”
