UK drivers narrowly favor fuel VAT cut over duty reduction, RAC research shows

• Drivers narrowly favor a fuel VAT cut in Wednesday’s Budget, with 34% backing that option versus 29% preferring lower fuel duty.
• Average diesel prices exceeded £2 a liter this month for the first time, while unleaded approached £1.75.
• Fuel costs put 2026 on course to become the second-most-expensive year for filling up, behind only 2022.
• High fuel prices prompted 65% of drivers to cut other spending this month, up from 61% in April.
• Fuel duty remains at 52.95p a liter but is scheduled to rise by 5p by next March.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. RAC Group Ltd. published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.