Starmer urged to extend 5p fuel duty cut as Iran crisis deepens

• Lord Walker, Sir Keir Starmer's cost-of-living champion and Iceland boss, urged the government to consider extending or enlarging the current 5p-per-liter fuel duty cut.
• The call comes as oil prices soar due to the Middle East crisis and Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased pump prices for consumers.
• The existing 5p fuel duty cut, introduced in March 2022, is set to expire at the end of August, with rates scheduled to gradually return to previous levels over five years.
• Average diesel prices have risen 30% to 185.2p per liter, and petrol prices are up 16% to 154.5p per liter since February 28.
• Opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats who advocate for a 10p cut, are pressing for swifter action, while the Prime Minister has stated the planned September fuel duty rise is "under review."

IN FULL

Starmer’s cost of living tsar calls for fuel duty to be extended in light of Iran war