---
title: "Van drivers face £2.5bn diesel cost increase amid duty hike debate"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2026-10-13T06:22:41+00:00"
modified: "2026-10-13T06:22:41+00:00"
date: 2026-10-13
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/uk-van-drivers-face-extra-2-5bn-in-diesel-costs-this-year-figures-show/"
category: "Financial"
categories: ["Financial", "Fuel Prices"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/van-drivers-face-2-5bn-diesel-cost-increase-amid-duty-hike.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Van drivers face £2.5bn diesel cost increase amid duty hike debate

**Published:** October 13, 2026
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Financial, Fuel Prices
**Featured image:** ![Van drivers face £2.5bn diesel cost increase amid duty hike debate](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/van-drivers-face-2-5bn-diesel-cost-increase-amid-duty-hike.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)

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British van drivers are projected to incur an additional £2.5 billion in diesel expenses this year, a figure that has intensified calls for the government to abandon its planned increase in fuel duty. The rising costs are attributed to record high diesel prices, which have been driven by a global fuel shortage resulting from disruptions to refineries in the Middle East and Russia. As a result, the average fuel bill for a van driver is expected to reach £1,965, a significant increase from £1,294 in 2025, based on typical mileage and consumption patterns.

Analysis conducted for the Guardian by Moneysupermarket indicates that owners of diesel vans and pickups will collectively spend almost £8.5 billion at the pump this year. This represents a substantial rise from the £5.95 billion spent in the previous year. The surge in fuel costs has raised concerns that retailers may pass on increased logistics expenses to consumers, potentially leading to sharp rises in the prices of food and goods transported by road. The number of vans on British roads has grown significantly in recent years, fuelled by the expansion of online shopping, home deliveries, and the increasing number of self-employed tradespeople. Despite the gradual adoption of electric vehicles, approximately 95 per cent of light commercial vehicles remain diesel-powered.

The average pump price for diesel climbed above two pounds per litre for the first time this month, marking an increase of over 40 per cent since late February. This rise coincides with the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted supplies of crude and refined oil products from the Gulf, leading to broader economic cost increases. In response to the growing financial burden, industry groups are urging the government to provide assistance in the upcoming budget. The Road Haulage Association has described the planned fuel duty rise as a severe blow to businesses, arguing that it would exacerbate the impact of already elevated fuel prices.

Richard Smith, managing director of the Road Haulage Association, noted that many members operate on margins of around two per cent. He stated that surging diesel prices are affecting firms across the country, with some spending thousands of pounds extra on fuel each week. Smith warned that adding fuel duty increases to current prices would be detrimental to firms moving goods and the households purchasing them, describing a duty hike as effectively a food price hike. The planned increase, which was postponed from September, will add three pence per litre to duty from 1 January, with a further two pence increase from 1 March.

Data from the RAC shows that despite a recent dip, diesel prices remain approximately 57 pence per litre higher than before the US-Iran conflict, while petrol prices are 42 pence higher. This means households are paying £31 and £23 more respectively when filling a family-sized car. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, stated that the fuel duty rise will only make pump prices more expensive. He added that the government has the power to mitigate higher fuel costs by extending and increasing the fuel duty cut or by reducing VAT, similar to measures taken for domestic electricity. The RAC predicts this year will be the second most expensive on record for drivers.

Smith added that the RHA is calling on the chancellor to introduce a 15 pence per litre rebate for British van, coach, and haulage operators. He noted that Spain, France, and Italy have offered similar support to commercial vehicle businesses, urging the UK to catch up. On Friday, US President Donald Trump attempted to ease pressure on American drivers by announcing a deal involving Russian oil, a move that angered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/uk-van-drivers-face-extra-2-5bn-in-diesel-costs-this-year-figures-show/
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