Drivers in 'rural areas' put under ‘significant pressure’ by £130 petrol and diesel rise

Motorists living in rural areas could be affected by fuel duty prices (Image: Getty)

Motorists living in rural country areas could be most affected by hefty petrol and diesel price rises expected to be announced next week. 

Chancellor Rachel Revves is tipped to increase fuel duty rates for the first time in over a decade in next week’s Autumn Budget.

Specialists have predicted at least a 5p per litre rise is on the cards with the Conservative's 5p cut introduced in 2022 likely to be axed.

It means rates will return to their previous 57.95p per litre fee but the move would add over £100 to annual bills for most road users.

Gordon Wallis, a spokesperson from Your NRG, suggested any price hikes would impact those battling the “cost of living crisis”.

Rachel Reeves could increase fuel duty rates next week (Image: Getty)

He also suggested that those living away from major cities could be among the most likely to feel the sting.

Gordon explained: "The proposed increase in fuel duty could add significant pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.

“While Treasury officials see this as a chance to boost revenue, many drivers across the UK will feel the pinch at the pumps.”

"For millions of Brits, especially those in rural areas where public transport isn't a viable option, a rise in fuel duty represents more than just a slight increase in costs.

“It can impact everything from daily commutes to the delivery of essential goods, making this a deeply felt issue for many."

Labour has repeatedly refused to rule out a fuel duty increase with Sir Keir Starmer dodging the issue throughout the election campaign.

A 5p per litre rise in fuel duty rates would add around £2.50 to the price of filling up a 50-litre family car.

This would add an extra £130 per year to fuel costs for motorists who top-up their vehicles every week.

However, FairFuelUK has not ruled out the likelihood of a higher 10p per litre fuel duty increase.

This would see average rises double with road users likely to pay around £260 more per year to fill up their models.

In the run-up to the Budget, a 7p per litre rise has also been mooted which could add around £3.75 to weekly bills or £175 to annual costs.