Proposed 5p-a-litre fuel-duty rise draws criticism amid inflation concerns

On September 16, 2026, Robert Jenrick said rising petrol and diesel prices were a major reason inflation had reached 3.1%. He urged Andy Burnham and John Healey to scrap what he described as a planned 5p-a-litre fuel-duty increase in January 2027, arguing that people could not afford higher prices.

Kemi Badenoch separately argued that Labour’s tax and spending policies were worsening inflation by raising hiring, business and energy costs. She said Conservatives would cut wasteful spending, taxes and energy costs.