US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Fuel duty hike could be scrapped if Middle East war drags on, Miliband suggests
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said ministers may scrap the 1p fuel duty rise to shield drivers amid rising oil prices caused by Middle East conflict, affecting 1.5 million heating oil households.
- On Sunday, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signalled ministers could scrap the planned fuel duty rise, saying the government is monitoring the conflict and will decide by September, though uncertainty remains.
- Oil prices jumped after strikes on Iran, raising fears of disrupted supplies while Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to global price spikes.
- Explored options include deploying minehunting drones from the Royal Navy's Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, which is currently in the Middle East, to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Drivers and businesses would welcome scrapping the 52.95p fuel duty rise scheduled for the end of August, with the government considering a decision later this year.
- The Treasury faces pressure to raise the duty to repair public finances, while ministers have not confirmed a decision amid calls from political rivals to U-turn on the planned hike later this year.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
12 Articles
12 Articles
Irish News+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Government ‘standing by British people’ Miliband says amid fuel duty questions
Ministers have faced calls from their political rivals to U-turn on the planned 1p tax hike in light of the oil price spikes caused by the war.
·Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
