Rachel Reeves could scrap 5p fuel duty hike

May 18, 2026 · 9:46 AM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 31 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering scrapping a planned 5p increase in fuel duty due to rising costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The chancellor had previously announced a fuel duty reduction extension until August 2026, but pressure has mounted to abandon the increase. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to a significant rise in fuel prices globally.

Key facts

▪Rachel Reeves is preparing to abandon a planned increase in fuel duty amid rising costs.
▪The fuel duty reduction was initially set to extend until the end of August 2026.
▪The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused fuel prices to surge worldwide.

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Original publisher	The Independent
Canonical URL	https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-fuel-duty-scrap-iran-b2978480.html
Publication time	Mon, 18 May 2026 09:46:29 GMT
Retrieval time	2026-05-18T09:54:56.126Z
Last seen	2026-05-18T09:54:56.126Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

NewsUKUK PoliticsRachel Reeves could scrap 5p fuel duty hikeChancellor has been under pressure to shelve plans to increase fuel duty amid the ongoing blockade on the Strait of HormuzAthena Stavrou Monday 18 May 2026 10:46 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2978480","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/rachel-reeves-fuel-duty-scrap-iran-b2978480.html","title":"Rachel Reeves could scrap 5p tax hike"}}Related video: Starmer will not set out timetable for departure, Lammy insistsYour support helps us to tell the…

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