Drivers are being urged to fill up their tanks amid growing speculation that fuel duty could rise in next week’s Autumn Budget. The levy has been frozen since 2011, and since 2022, both Conservative and Labour Governments have also maintained a temporary 5p-per-litre cut introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The measure was introduced to protect motorists from potential spikes in global oil prices and is currently set to expire on March 22, 2026.

Chancellor Rachael Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday, November 26, setting out the Government’s tax and spending plans, and an increase in fuel duty could be used to generate revenue for the Government.

The removal of the 5p cut, as well as an unfrozen rate, is expected to drive the rate of fuel duty in line with inflation, resulting in a rise in petrol and diesel prices over the coming months, and prompting a leading expert to urge drivers to ensure they are prepared for the change, reports GB News.

Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card, is advising drivers to understand which fuel would best suit their cars, and highlighted supermarket fuel prices, which have held the reputation as being the cheapest among major retailers.

He noted that it was “completely true”, with RAC Fuel Watch revealing that the average price at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores is 132p – 3.33p cheaper than the nationwide average for unleaded.

The average price of diesel at supermarkets was also cheaper, being 3.51p less than the average across the UK.

Mr Briggs said: “Of course, these fuel prices vary nationwide depending on the location, but the critical advice is to avoid motorway fill-ups due to their excessively high prices.

“Petrol stations capitalise on the fact that when you’re on the motorway and running low on fuel, you’re compelled to pray regardless of the cost.”

There are currently no suggestions of changes to fuel prices. However, motorway service stations are charging over 23p more than the UK average. Drivers have to pay an average of 158.2p for unleaded and 168.11p for diesel when travelling on the motorway.

Changes to the rate of fuel duty could lead to increased fuel prices. However, the Fuel Finder scheme, a Government initiative expected to launch by the end of the year, could help stabilise the costs or bring them down.

The Fuel Finder will require petrol stations to publish live fuel price data and the unavailability of fuel within 30 minutes of a change. The Government suggest that drivers could save between one and six pence per litre once it is introduced.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told GB News: “Fuel Finder is on track. Retailers must give a fair price for their fuel by passing on any savings at the pump. Fuel Finder will ensure retailers share real-time prices, making them more accountable to drivers.”