Highlighting the significant tax burden on motorists and the unique challenges faced by those dependent on home heating oil, Ms Lockhart has questioned whether current Government measures sufficiently support families and ensure fair pricing.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“Today’s statement will do little to reassure families who are already struggling with the high cost of living.

Motorists continue to pay around 55% in tax on every litre of fuel through fuel duty and VAT. At a time when households and businesses are under real pressure, that level of taxation must be seriously questioned.

In Northern Ireland, the situation is even more acute. Around 60% of households rely on heating oil, leaving them particularly exposed to volatile global prices and with fewer protections than those on the gas grid.

Yet the support referenced amounts to just £17 million overall, equating to roughly £30 per household. That is nowhere near sufficient and does not reflect the scale of the challenge facing families.

I have written to the Chancellor asking how this level of support can be justified, and urging a review of both the fuel duty burden and the oversight of pricing to ensure fairness for consumers.

Families are being squeezed from all sides, through high taxation on fuel and inadequate support for home heating. The Government must act to deliver meaningful relief.”