Spring statement 2026: what it means for drivers

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver the spring statement in late March 2026. While the major fuel duty decisions were made in the Autumn Budget 2025, drivers will be watching closely for any further announcements affecting motoring costs.

Fuel duty: already decided

The fuel duty timeline is already locked in from the Autumn Budget. The 5p cut continues until September 2026, then gradually unwinds over the following six months. The spring statement is unlikely to change this, but any surprise extension would be welcome news for the 33 million UK drivers.

What else could affect fuel prices?

Beyond fuel duty, several factors could be addressed in the spring statement:

• VAT on fuel — currently 20%, applied on top of fuel duty. Any change here would have a significant impact, though a reduction is considered unlikely.
• Electric vehicle incentives — the government may announce further support for EV adoption, which could indirectly affect petrol and diesel demand.
• Road pricing — as fuel duty revenue declines with EV uptake, there's ongoing discussion about per-mile road charging. Any announcement here would be significant.

The bigger picture for drivers

The cost of motoring in 2026 includes fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance. While fuel prices are the most visible daily cost, they're also the one where drivers have the most control. Choosing a cheaper station, avoiding motorway services, and filling up at supermarkets can save hundreds of pounds a year — regardless of what the Chancellor announces.

Stay informed

PumpSaver tracks live fuel prices across the UK so you can see exactly how any policy changes affect prices at the pump. Check our dashboard for the latest averages and trends.