It comes after the largest increase in petrol prices in 17 years on Tuesday, 7 June 2022, when the price of petrol increased by 2.23p per litre to 180.73p.

Petrol prices rose by 1.58p to 182.31p yesterday (8 June), while diesel prices rose from 186.57p to a new high of 188.05p.

“It’s a truly dark day today for drivers,” said RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams, “with petrol now crossing the thoroughly depressing threshold of £100 a tank (£100.27p).” A full tank of diesel now costs £103.43.”

Petrol Stations

While fuel prices have been setting new records on a daily basis,” he continued, “households across the country may never have expected the cost of filling an average-sized family car to reach three figures.

According to the RAC, the average price of a litre of unleaded at a supermarket increased by 2.5p to 175.91p on June 8, while diesel increased by nearly 2p to 184.13p.

Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuelUK campaign, predicts that the average UK petrol price will rise to 183p in the next four weeks, and diesel will rise to 193p.

Both he and the RAC want the government to step in.

‘A 5p cut in fuel duty appears paltry.’

“With RAC research showing that as many as eight-in-ten rely on their cars, many must be wondering if any further financial support from the Government will be forthcoming,” Williams said. The 5p fuel duty cut implemented in March now appears insignificant, as wholesale petrol prices have risen by five times that amount since the Spring Statement (25p). A further reduction in duty or a temporary reduction in VAT would go a long way toward assisting drivers, particularly those on lower incomes who have no choice but to drive.

It’s also worth noting that the government continues to profit from high fuel prices by collecting around 30p in VAT on every litre sold.” This compares to just 25p prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, the government continues to collect 53p in fuel duty per litre.

Cox acknowledged that the Treasury is receiving a “shed load of VAT.” “because of high gas prices

According to Cox, this should be used to fund a 20p-per-litre cut in fuel duty to help alleviate the cost of living crisis.

He also reiterated his call for the establishment of an independent pump pricing watchdog by the government.