FairFuelUK urges UK to follow Italy with fuel duty cut

FairFuelUK is pressing John Healey to cut UK fuel duty, arguing that lower pump prices would help slow inflation and support businesses and motorists. The call comes as Italy and other countries have moved to trim diesel taxes or prices in response to renewed energy pressure.

Why it matters: - FairFuelUK says a fuel duty cut would lower transport costs for drivers, haulage firms and small businesses. - The campaign argues that cheaper fuel would help ease inflation and support economic activity. - The appeal lands as several European and non-European governments have already used tax cuts, subsidies or price controls to soften fuel-price spikes.

What happened: - Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, called on John Healey to cut Fuel Duty now. - Cox criticized Labour for keeping fuel taxes high and for failing to ease costs for motorists and businesses. - FairFuelUK said Italy temporarily cut diesel taxes and excise duties by about 17 euro cents per litre as of 28 July 2026. - Italy’s measure runs until 6 August and focuses on diesel because diesel prices rose more sharply. - FairFuelUK linked Italy’s move to repeated interventions since March 2026 after energy-price spikes tied to the Middle East conflict.

The details: - FairFuelUK said UK drivers have paid an extra £5.5bn in filling-up costs since the Iran conflict began. - The campaign said the UK government has taken nearly £1bn in extra VAT from those higher prices. - FairFuelUK said about 70% of the extra filling-up cost has fallen on diesel drivers. - Greece has cut petrol prices by 10 cents per litre and diesel by 5 cents per litre through the end of August, funded by refineries. - Greece also added a state-funded 10 cents per litre diesel reduction for August 2026, with the package aimed at professionals, transport and limiting wider price effects. - Spain approved staged cuts to the Hydrocarbons Tax of 15 cents per litre in July, 10 cents in August and 5 cents in September 2026. - Spain’s plan includes a safeguard for larger cuts if inflation on those fuels rises above 15%. - Ireland extended temporary excise cuts of 32 cents per litre on diesel and 27 cents on petrol through 31 August 2026. - Ireland also kept a diesel rebate enhancement for hauliers in place through the end of September. - Other European measures have included relief in Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Croatia, France, Romania and Slovenia. - Outside Europe, Thailand approved a temporary Bt2.40 per litre cut in ex-refinery diesel prices from 24 July to 15 August 2026. - The UAE, South Korea and Namibia also adjusted fuel prices downward through official or government-influenced measures.

Between the lines: - FairFuelUK is framing fuel duty as an economic-policy issue, not just a transport issue. - The campaign is using Italy and other countries as evidence that governments can absorb some fuel-price pressure instead of passing the full cost to consumers. - The release also argues that diesel drivers and commercial operators are carrying a disproportionate share of the burden. - FairFuelUK presents its case as a broader challenge to taxes and restrictions tied to environmental policy.

What's next: - FairFuelUK is continuing to press for lower fuel duty and changes to UK road-user taxation. - The campaign says its current focus includes fuel duty, VAT on duty, fuel-price transparency, emissions policy, ULEZ expansion and the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales. - Italy’s diesel cut is set to expire on 6 August unless extended or replaced. - Greece’s August diesel top-up and Ireland’s staged restoration of excise rates will show how long governments keep emergency relief in place as oil markets fluctuate.

The bottom line: - FairFuelUK wants the UK to copy Italy’s playbook and cut fuel duty now, arguing that cheaper diesel and petrol would support households, businesses and the wider economy.