UK van drivers face £2.5bn extra diesel costs this year
Rising fuel prices driven by global refinery disruptions prompt calls for government to cancel planned fuel duty increase.
At a glance
- Van and pickup owners collectively expected to spend almost £8.5bn at the pump this year
- Average individual fuel bill could rise to £1,965 from £1,294
- Global refinery disruptions in the Middle East and Russia cited as cause of record diesel prices
- Calls for government to cancel planned fuel duty increase
Millions of British van and pickup owners face a combined £2.5bn in additional diesel costs this year, according to analysis cited by the Guardian. The average fuel bill for van operators could reach £1,965, up from £1,294, as diesel prices have climbed to record levels.
The price surge stems from a global fuel shortage caused by disruption to refineries in the Middle East and Russia. Industry figures are calling on the government to scrap its planned fuel duty rise in response to the increased costs.
Why it matters
Rising fuel costs directly affect operating expenses for commercial van operators and could impact delivery services and transport costs across the UK economy.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — BusinessUK van drivers face extra £2.5bn in diesel costs this year, figures show
- The Guardian — WorldUK van drivers face extra £2.5bn in diesel costs this year, figures show
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.