Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hit back after facing criticism over a social media post announcing that petrol and diesel prices would now be displayed on Google Maps. The move, powered by the government's Fuel Finder scheme, was confirmed on X but met with a wave of backlash from users calling for stronger action to curb surging fuel prices.
Replying to one critic, Mr Burnham wrote: "I know this isn’t a silver bullet. It might help some people find cheaper fuel, but it doesn’t mean that’s all we’re doing to help people with the cost of living."
Prime Minister's defence
In his response, the Prime Minister listed a series of measures, including cutting VAT on electricity bills, capping bus fares at £2 in England, giving disabled people 24/7 free bus travel, making it easier to cancel subscriptions, and cutting business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues.
He also mentioned stopping schools from demanding expensive branded uniforms, ensuring train tickets can be used on other operators free of charge if a train is cancelled, and keeping fuel duty frozen to the end of the year. He added: "Together, these changes add up, and no matter how small it may seem, I will pull every single lever I can to help people, whenever I can."
Fuel price surge
Fuel prices have surged to record highs across the UK, with diesel surpassing £2 per litre and petrol averaging around 175p per litre, breaking records set during the 2022 energy crisis. The rise is driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the US-Iran conflict disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing prices over $100 a barrel.
As the UK imports 55% of its diesel, it is heavily exposed to supply chain crunches. According to the RAC, an average family car now costs £110 to fill with diesel and roughly £96 with petrol, a 40% rise compared to when the war began.
Public reaction
Social media users have slammed the announcement. James Melville, a media commentator, called the post "unbelievable," while @CutMyTaxUK wrote: "Andy, this has got to be a joke. Around half of the cost of petrol is composed of tax that you impose."
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "Households will be tightening the purse strings, while businesses may have no option but to pass these additional costs onto customers." He added: "Once again, it's ordinary people who are left footing the bill for events far away, as the UK remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and imported diesel."
