UK drivers are currently enjoying the lowest fuel prices since July 2021, with petrol averaging just 131.6p per litre. But that window is closing. The government has confirmed that the temporary 5p fuel duty cut — in place since March 2022 — will be withdrawn in stages starting September 2026. Here's exactly what's changing, when, and what it will cost you.
The Good News First
Right now, UK fuel is genuinely cheap by recent standards. Average petrol sits at around 131.6p per litre and diesel at 140.8p — down significantly from the peaks of 191p and 199p we saw in mid-2022. Supermarket forecourts are even lower, with Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons offering petrol at 128–133p per litre in many areas.
This is partly down to lower global oil prices, and partly because the government has kept the 5p duty cut in place for nearly four years. But the Autumn Budget 2025 made it clear: the cut has an expiry date, and the clock is ticking.
The Fuel Duty Timeline
The government has laid out a phased withdrawal of the 5p cut, rather than restoring it all at once. Here's the exact schedule confirmed in the Autumn Budget 2025:
The Bigger Picture
The 5p cut reversal is significant, but the real change is what comes after. From April 2027, fuel duty will rise with inflation every year — ending a freeze that's been in place since 2011. If RPI runs at 3–4%, that's an extra 1.5–2p per litre annually on top of the 5p already added back.
What Will It Actually Cost You?
Let's put real numbers on this. Based on a typical 55-litre tank and current average petrol prices:
*Duty increases attract VAT at 20%, so a 2p duty rise adds ~2.4p at the pump. Annual cost assumes weekly fill-ups.
That's an extra £172 a year for a weekly fill-up by March 2027 — and more once RPI uprating kicks in from April 2027. For two-car households or high-mileage drivers, the impact doubles.
Why Is the Government Doing This?
The 5p cut was always described as "temporary" — introduced in March 2022 when fuel hit record highs and the cost-of-living crisis was at its peak. It's been extended four times, costing the Treasury an estimated £6 billion per year in lost revenue.
With fuel prices now at a four-year low and cost-of-living pressures easing, the government has decided the emergency measure is no longer justified. The phased approach — rather than a sudden 5p hike — is designed to soften the blow, but the direction is clear: motoring taxes are going up.
Spring Statement: 3 March 2026
The Chancellor's Spring Statement on 3 March could bring further clarity on fuel policy. While a reversal of the planned increases is unlikely given the fiscal pressures, any additional support measures for drivers would be announced here. We'll update this article with any changes.
The EV Tax Shift
There's a broader context here. As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, fuel duty revenue is declining — it currently raises around £25 billion a year. The Autumn Budget also introduced a pay-per-mile road pricing pilot for EVs, signalling that all motorists will eventually pay for road use regardless of fuel type.
For now though, petrol and diesel drivers bear the full weight of motoring taxes. The fuel duty increase is part of a transition, not a punishment — but it still hits your wallet the same way.
What Can You Do About It?
You can't change the tax rate, but you can control where you fill up. With regional price variations of 20–24p per litre across the UK, choosing the right station matters more than ever. Here's how to minimise the impact:
- Use the Fuel Finder scheme — Since 2 February 2026, all UK forecourts must report prices within 30 minutes. Use Fuelwise or the government's Fuel Finder data to compare prices before you fill up. The government estimates this could save households £40 a year.
- Fill up at supermarkets — Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons consistently undercut branded stations by 4–8p per litre. On a 55-litre tank, that's a saving of up to £4.40 every fill-up.
- Avoid motorway services — Motorway forecourts charge 17–38p per litre more than supermarkets. Plan your stops to fill up before you hit the motorway. See our guide on why motorway fuel costs more.
- Improve your fuel economy — Proper tyre pressure, smooth driving, and removing unnecessary weight can improve MPG by 10–15%. Check our complete MPG guide.
- Stack loyalty rewards — Shell Go+, BP BPme, and Tesco Clubcard points all reduce the effective cost per litre. See our loyalty card comparison.
The Savings Add Up
The fuel duty increase will add ~£172 a year to your costs. But switching from a branded forecourt to a supermarket could save you £200+ a year. Using Fuelwise to find the cheapest station in your area could offset the entire tax increase — and then some. The drivers who compare prices will barely notice the change. Those who don't will pay the most.
The Bottom Line
Enjoy the current low prices while they last. From September, fuel duty starts climbing — slowly at first, then more steeply. By March 2027, you'll be paying 6p more per litre in tax alone, with further annual increases to follow.
The single best thing you can do is get into the habit of comparing prices before every fill-up. The new transparency rules mean you now have better data than ever to find the cheapest fuel near you. Use it.