The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves to avoid raising fuel duty in today’s October Budget.
The Labour Government has claimed that their first budget will help to “fix the foundations” of the economy, but many fear new measures that could leave drivers worse off.
Jeremy Clarkson warned that one measure set to be introduced is a rise in fuel duty, but warned that it would put a strain on public transport and motorists who have no other choice but to use their car.
He explained: “If you live in Kentish Town, then you are well served by many transport options. If you don’t live in Kentish Town, you aren’t.
“You need a car and you need to be able to drive it.”
The tax applied to a variety of energy sources, fuel duty has stood at 52.9p per litre for petrol and diesel since early 2022, when the previous Conservative Government cut it by 5p to reflect rising oil prices.
However, with the cost of oil stabilising and sales of electric vehicles on the rise, it is likely that the Government could raise the fuel duty rate for the first time in over a decade.
Whilst this would help to raise revenue, reducing the reported £22 billion ‘black hole’, it would also leave drivers paying more for petrol and diesel.
Whilst Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out an increase in fuel duty, it is currently unclear how much it may rise by. However, some motoring experts have predicted a rise of 7p per litre.
If the increase directly influences the cost of fuel, the average petrol price would be 142p per litre, whilst a litre of diesel would be typically priced at 147p.
As a result, the average motorist would have to spend £4 more when filling up their car, which could cost them £175 extra each year.
Members of the opposition have also urged the Government to think twice before increasing fuel duty in the October Budget.
Shadow Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has warned that an increase would affect working people who commute to their jobs more than anyone else.
He added: “Every single one [motorists] will remember if the Chancellor double-crosses them today.”
