LIBERAL Democrat MP Anna Sabine is urging the government to introduce an emergency 10p cut to fuel duty.

The call comes as a Liberal Democrat poll reveals Brits stockpiling fuel and cutting back spending to afford petrol. The cut would save 12p per litre at the pumps.

In rural areas like Frome and East Somerset, where there is not only a higher reliance on cars, but a greater proportion of houses on oil heating, the impact will be felt acutely, she says.

On BBC Politics Live last week, Anna also pointed out the added impact the price increases have on farmers with red diesel costs soaring and no stability being offered to them.

“At a time when we have raging food insecurity and rely on our farmers more than ever, the Government is not supporting them.

“Farmers in Frome and East Somerset are in crisis, they are working all hours, struggling with a wet season, repeated blows from the Government regarding Agricultural Relief Payments and now don’t know when or even if they are going to receive deliveries of red diesel. It’s untenable.”

Latest figures show inflation rose to 3.3 percent in March, up from three per cent in February. The ONS (Office of National Statistics) said fuel prices saw their biggest increase since January 2023 and polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, has revealed the British public are taking drastic action to afford spiralling fuel prices.

Among those who drive a car regularly, nearly a third say they have cut back on other spending to afford fuel; one in 10 say they are stockpiling fuel.

The MP added: “People of rural areas like Frome and East Somerset, whether that be farmers, families or working people trying to make ends meet, are being penalised for factors beyond their control, because of one man’s ego-driven war.”