The Fuel Store Card
Posted on 24th October 2025 at 1:35 pm
Your weekly insight into the developments shaping UK fuel prices, fleet costs, and transport policy.
Fuel Duty Freeze Under Serious Threat
The biggest story this week is what might happen at the upcoming Autumn Budget on 26 November. The Road Haulage Association has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that scrapping the current 5p per litre fuel duty cut could cost UK households an extra £7.3 billion between now and 2029.
New research carried out on behalf of the RHA reveals that higher prices at the pump and higher distribution costs would push up prices for food, drink and energy, affecting UK households. The average car-owning family would pay around £100 extra annually, with costs flowing through the entire supply chain.
Why this matters for fleets:
- Diesel remains the backbone of UK logistics
- Even a 5p duty rise could force up overall consumer prices by 0.3 per cent, at a cost of £2 billion annually
- SMEs and owner-operators face the tightest margins
- Diesel excise duty in the UK is already higher than anywhere else in Europe
RHA managing director Richard Smith warned: "A fuel duty increase would be a hammer blow to a key industry already operating on tight margins. When businesses face higher fuel costs, the costs don't disappear. They flow through the supply chain."
With the Budget just over a month away (26 November), now is the time for fleet operators to plan for potential cost changes.
Storm Benjamin Clears, But Cold Weather Settles In
Storm Benjamin, a deep area of low pressure, tracked away from the UK on Thursday, but it's left colder conditions in its wake. Cold Arctic air is now sweeping across the country, bringing a noticeably chilly weekend with below-average temperatures.
What this means for fleets:
- Expect brisk northerly winds and a raw feel through the weekend
- Colder temperatures and headwinds can reduce fuel efficiency
- Patchy showers may impact journey times
- Plan for slightly longer trip durations
Weather disruption is part of the job, but preparation keeps it manageable.
Major Motorway Works Now Live
Two significant roadworks programmes are underway that will affect key freight corridors through to early 2026:
M5 Near Junction 26 (Somerset): National Highways launched a £5.9 million drainage and safety scheme on Monday 20 October, due to finish by the end of February 2026. For safety reasons, a 50mph speed limit will be in place northbound from 28 October until 19 February, with similar restrictions southbound from 2 November.
M60 Between Junctions 19 and 20 (North West): Overnight works continue between junctions 19 and 20 until 28 October, with lane closures affecting the clockwise carriageway.
Fleet planning tips:
- Build these restrictions into route planning now
- Allow extra time for reduced speeds and potential queuing
- Consider alternative routes where practical
- Brief drivers on the works to avoid surprises
Proper planning prevents wasted fuel and protects delivery performance.
What This Means for Your Fleet
This week brings a mix of stability and uncertainty. Pump prices are holding steady for now, but the Autumn Budget on 26 November could change the landscape. Meanwhile, colder weather is setting in and major roadworks are affecting key routes.
Your focus this week should be on:
- Budget planning with the 26 November announcement just over a month away
- Winter preparation as colder conditions begin to impact efficiency
- Route intelligence to navigate ongoing roadworks without delays
The fleets that plan ahead, stay informed, and adapt quickly will be the ones that navigate this period successfully. With significant fuel duty changes potentially on the horizon, being prepared has never been more important.
At The Fuel Store, we track the trends that matter so you can stay informed, control costs, and keep your operations running smoothly.
