· Labour are planning to hike Fuel Duty for the first time in 15 years punishing drivers even as petrol prices surge.
· The Conservatives froze Fuel Duty for 14 consecutive years and have called on Labour to Axe the Fuel Duty.
· Labour’s tax on fuel will cost working families in Torbay up to £156 a year in additional tax.
Under Labour’s plans, Torbay's motorists and businesses faces a triple hit at the pump: a 1p per litre rise in September 2026, a further 2p in December 2026 and another 2p in March 2027 – a total of 5p per litre.
This comes at the worst possible moment. Since the start of March, petrol prices have already surged, the fastest rate of increase since 2022, driven by the conflict in the Middle East and rising global oil prices. Labour’s planned duty hike will deliver a painful double whammy for drivers already struggling.
A family with two cars will pay an extra £156 in fuel duty between 2026 and 2029 as a result of Labour’s hike. In cumulative terms, that rises to £448 per two-car household. And this is before the further RPI-linked increases Labour have pencilled in from 2027–28.
Axe The Fuel Tax Campaigner Kevin Foster said:
“Petrol prices are already surging at their fastest rate since 2022 – and Labour want to pile on even more.
“A family with two cars will pay an extra £156 in fuel duty between 2026 and 2029. For 14 consecutive years, the Conservatives found the resources to freeze Fuel Duty. Labour chose higher welfare spending instead, and it is working people who are paying the price. They have a choice and should choose to support our bay's families and businesses."
