PAUL DAVIES MS TAKES FUEL PRICE CONCERNS FROM THE SENEDD TO CHANCELLOR AS DIESEL HITS RECORD HIGH
Paul Davies MS is taking concerns over soaring fuel prices from the Senedd to Westminster, warning that record diesel prices are putting increasing pressure on families and businesses across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
With diesel reaching a record UK average of 199.18p per litre, overtaking the previous high recorded during the 2022 fuel-price crisis, the Conservative Member of the Welsh Parliament for Ceredigion Penfro raised the impact of high fuel prices in the Senedd today (29th September) with the Welsh Government. Paul Davies highlighted the escalating cost at the pumps and what it means for people living and working in rural west Wales.
At that price, filling an average family diesel car now costs almost £110 – adding significantly to household costs at a time when many families are already facing pressure on their finances.
The impact is particularly acute in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where families often have little alternative to using a car. Longer journeys to work, school, shops and essential services mean many households cover considerably more miles simply going about their everyday lives.
Accessing healthcare can also involve significant journeys, with patients across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion regularly travelling to Withybush and Bronglais Hospitals, and sometimes much further afield for some services.
The rising price of diesel also has consequences beyond household motoring costs. Farmers, hauliers, tradespeople and local businesses all face increased transport costs, potentially adding further pressure to the cost of delivering goods and services across rural communities.
He is now following up that intervention by writing directly to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget, calling on the UK Government to take action on fuel duty and ensure rural motorists are not hit with further increases.
Mr Davies said:
“Diesel at almost £2 a litre is deeply concerning for families across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
“For many people here, the car simply isn’t optional. Whether it’s getting to work, taking the children to school, doing the weekly shop or travelling to a hospital appointment, the distances involved in rural life mean families can’t simply choose to drive less.
“When it now costs almost £110 to fill an average family diesel car, those additional costs quickly add up.
“I raised this issue in the Senedd because I want the impact on rural communities to be heard. But fuel duty is a matter for the UK Government, which is why I am now taking those concerns directly to the Chancellor.
“Ahead of the Autumn Budget, I am calling on the Chancellor to take action on fuel duty and give motorists some much-needed relief at the pumps.
“And this isn’t just about individual motorists. Higher diesel prices increase costs for our farmers, hauliers and local businesses too, and those costs can ultimately feed through into the prices families pay for everyday goods and services.
“At almost £2 a litre, families are already paying enough. The Autumn Budget must not add to that burden.”
The current 5p-per-litre fuel duty cut is due to remain in place until 31 December 2026, with future rates expected to be confirmed at the Autumn Budget.