The RAC’s Simon Williams said: “Compared to other European countries, almost the least has been done to support drivers during the current period of record high fuel prices. “The result is that the UK is one of the most expensive places to fill up and puts it above other countries that historically charge more for fuel than UK retailers do, including France and the Netherlands.” He said drivers “need more help” as reductions in costs at the pumps are “too few and too late” given the big drop in wholesale prices enjoyed by retailers in recent months. Mrs Truss, the favorite to become prime minister, said she would keep the fuel cut made by her rival, but added that further cuts would be considered in the budget. He has said he will hold an emergency budget “immediately” as households struggle to cope with the cost of living crisis. Costs at the pump have been driven by the jump in oil prices following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the onslaught of Western sanctions, including embargoes on Russian crude by the UK, US and EU. Oil prices have eased from this year’s peaks, but Brent crude, the UK’s benchmark, is still above $100 a barrel, up 40% since the start of the year.
