The 1p-per-litre fuel duty rise that was due on 1 September 2026 did not happen. On 20 May 2026, the government extended the temporary 5p cut for the rest of the year (HM Treasury, 2026). Petrol and diesel duty therefore stays at 52.95p per litre until 31 December 2026 (HMRC, 2026).
This article first described the September rise from the February 2026 HMRC schedule. That schedule was replaced in May, before the rise took effect. We have rewritten the article with the amended rates.
What Changed in May 2026?
HMRC's February 2026 schedule ended the 5p cut in three steps: 1p on 1 September 2026, 2p on 1 December 2026 and 2p on 1 March 2027 (HMRC, 2026).
On 20 May 2026, the Chancellor announced that the 5p cut would continue until the end of the year. HMRC published the amended rates on 22 May 2026. The September and December steps were removed (HMRC, 2026).
The government says the cut will have saved the average driver £120 since 2025 by the end of 2026 (HM Treasury, 2026).
What Are the Fuel Duty Rates Now?
HMRC's amended table lists the same main rate for unleaded petrol and road diesel (HMRC, 2026):
- Until 31 December 2026: 52.95p per litre.
- From 1 January 2027: 55.95p per litre, a 3p increase.
- From 1 March 2027: 57.95p per litre, a further 2p increase.
The 57.95p rate is the level that applied before the cut started on 23 March 2022. HMRC calls the 2027 rates the "legislative default". The government will confirm the final rates at Budget 2026, so the January and March steps can still change.
What Could the 2027 Steps Add at the Pump?
VAT at 20% applies on top of fuel duty (GOV.UK). If retailers pass a duty change through in full, each 1p of duty adds 1.2p at the pump.
- 1 January 2027 (3p duty): about 3.6p per litre, or £1.98 on a 55-litre fill.
- 1 March 2027 (2p duty): about 2.4p more per litre, or £1.32 more on 55 litres.
- Both steps together (5p duty): about 6p per litre, or £3.30 on 55 litres.
These figures are tax arithmetic only. Wholesale costs, exchange rates, delivery timing and retailer margins also move pump prices, often by more than a duty step.
What Should Drivers Do Now?
There is no duty deadline to beat in 2026. Duty will not change before 1 January 2027, and Budget 2026 may change that date or amount. A special trip to fill up early would cost fuel and save nothing.
Local price gaps matter more than the duty timetable. Compare stations on your normal route with the PetrolPal map, and check fuel prices in your area before a large fill.
For the full September decision, read Fuel Duty Will Not Rise in September 2026. For the next decision, read Will Fuel Duty Rise in January 2027?.
