One in five drivers across the UK have been forced to either reduce their driving or trim household budgets to cover fuel expenses amid the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Iran, new research reveals.
Fuel affordability crisis
Research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), a body backed by the Labour Party government, indicates that 17 per cent of drivers said they can afford fuel but sometimes have to cut vehicle use or household expenses to pay for it, while 2 per cent said it was simply unaffordable for them.
Three-fifths (60 per cent) of drivers surveyed said they were concerned by the cost of fuel, while just over half (51 per cent) said they knew which petrol station close to their home offered the cheapest fuel.
New fuel price finder tool
MoneyHelper, a money and pensions guidance service operated by the MaPS, has launched a petrol price finder tool to help drivers find the cheapest fuel in their area.
Anna Sharkey, head of money and pensions policy and propositions at the MaPS, said: “We know that for many people, the cost of filling up is no longer just an inconvenience, it’s affecting everyday household decisions.”
She added: “Our new fuel finder tool is designed to give people practical, impartial help in the moment, while also connecting them to wider support on budgeting, benefits and managing their money in the long-term.”
Survey details
The survey was conducted by YouGov among more than 1,300 people across the UK who pay for fuel for a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle and drive it at least once a week. The fieldwork took place in April and May.
Drivers can also use the Government’s Fuel Finder service, which provides up-to-date information on the latest petrol, diesel and premium fuel prices. The service requires updates within 30 minutes of a price change or when fuel becomes unavailable.
