FairFuelUK campaigners have accused Andy Burnham's Government of being "missing in action" as diesel prices approach record levels, warning of a "diesel time bomb" that could push costs to £2.30 per litre.
National diesel averages currently sit just over 198p per litre, below the all-time high of 199.09p per litre, as costs creep closer to the £2 mark. FairFuelUK warns prices are likely to hit £2.30 sooner rather than later, with cash-strapped road users expected to feel the sting.
Global diesel crisis
The warning comes after fears emerged that fuel could reach £3 per litre if the United States decides to ban diesel exports due to rising costs. Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said: "The UK is now at the frontline of a global diesel crisis.
"With diesel already touching £2/litre and credible forecasts pointing toward £2.30, urgent government intervention is essential to protect households, hauliers, farmers, and the wider economy. FairFuelUK supporters will make that message impossible for MPs to ignore."
Supply vulnerabilities
FairFuel has demanded that officials consider a cut in fuel duty fees and action to prevent retailers from profiteering at the pumps. They also want to see a transparent and fair pricing system that protects drivers from global shocks.
Campaigners feel the UK has become "dangerously exposed on diesel," with large chunks of its supply imported from abroad. Cox added: "We import the vast majority of what we use, and almost 70% of it comes from just three places — the US, the Netherlands and Belgium. When those supply routes tighten, British drivers get hammered overnight. No other major economy is this dependent, this vulnerable, or this quick to pass global shocks straight to the pumps."
Government response
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) stressed it is continuing to monitor sales, deliveries and stock levels for any sustained shifts from normal trends. DESNZ also made clear that there were no petrol or diesel supply issues.
It said: "Forecourts in the UK are being supplied with petrol and diesel as normal, and we have a diverse and resilient supply."
