Motorists will have to "wait until the Budget" to discover whether fuel duty will be cut in response to soaring diesel prices, according to Andy Burnham. The Prime Minister highlighted that "world events" were pushing up prices at the pumps, telling BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire's Tim Iredale that consumers were being made to pay "too much for the basics in this country – for housing, for water".
Diesel Prices Near Record High
The RAC has reported that diesel prices have risen to an average of 198.32p per litre and could hit record highs in the coming days. Simon Williams, the motoring organisation's head of policy, predicted that "the record of 199.09p will almost certainly be surpassed over the weekend", coinciding with the start of the Labour Party's conference in Liverpool.
"Sadly for drivers, there appears to be no end in sight to high prices at the pumps as the cost of a barrel of oil hit 106 dollars (£79), having been around that 100 dollar (£75) mark for the last two weeks," Mr Williams said, reports Nottinghamshire Live. "A significant drop in the price of oil is badly needed but this seems unlikely without the US and Iran striking a deal."
Prime Minister's Response
Burnham was quizzed about fuel prices during a series of broadcast interviews on Friday evening. When asked if he would cut diesel taxes, the Prime Minister responded: "People will have to wait for the Budget on this one." He added that he did not "want to appear like a politician" by avoiding the question.
He went on to say: "I am well aware, though, of the pressure on people and particularly the cost of fuel." Burnham also revealed in his chat with the broadcaster that he had discussed fuel costs with US President Donald Trump during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly earlier in the week.
Middle East Conflict and Fuel Supplies
"Obviously, the key issue there is to bring an end to the Middle East conflict as quickly as possible," he continued. "And Britain is playing its part in that. I agreed to some requests from the Saudi Arabian government to protect fuel infrastructure, oil infrastructure in the region, from attack to keep the supplies coming."
When questioned whether diesel prices exceeding £2 per litre were "acceptable", the Prime Minister responded that the rise was "barely in" the UK Government's control. "Obviously, it's driven by world events and the supply of fuel or the restriction on the supply of fuel in the Middle East," he pointed out.
Chancellor John Healey is set to deliver his inaugural Budget on 28 October.
