The Chancellor is facing urgent calls to scrap planned increases in fuel duty amid escalating concerns over the US-Iran conflict.
The plea comes as fears grow that geopolitical tensions could significantly drive up oil prices, directly impacting consumers.
Last year, Rachel Reeves announced the long-held fuel duty discount would end from September, introducing a 1p hike followed by two 2p increases in subsequent years.
However, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the weekend – which killed the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – concerns have intensified regarding the impact of oil price hikes on consumers at the pumps.
Following the attack, the price of oil jumped to 80 US dollars a barrel, with some analysts suggesting it could rise above 100 dollars.
Speaking ahead of the spring statement, SNP economy spokesman Dave Doogan said: “With real fears that prices at the pump are now set to soar because of the situation in the Middle East – instead of stubbornly doubling down, the Chancellor needs to scrap her price hike plans before motorists face a devastating double hit.
“Oil prices are already spiking – the last thing motorists and businesses now need is another damaging tax hike from the Labour Party.
“The Chancellor needs to see sense, recognise what is unfolding globally, and immediately scrap her plans to hike prices at pumps.
“Everyone knows that Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has broken their promise to cut energy bills by £300 – it would be another slap in the face for families if Labour made the cost-of-living crisis even worse with a plan that will inevitably increase prices.
“After 14 U-turns from this chaotic Labour Government – scrapping their plans to hike fuel duty is one U-turn motorists, businesses and families right across Scotland would actually welcome.”
A spokeswoman for the Treasury said: “We have extended the 5p fuel duty cut from this month to the end of August to support drivers across the country.”
