Autumn Budget 2026: petrol and diesel to get cheaper — what changes for drivers

In the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026, the UK government announced several measures for drivers. The headline is cheaper fuel. ONLYWAY NEWS explains what changes and when, drawing only on official GOV.UK material.

Petrol and diesel will be cheaper

The 5p cut to fuel duty is extended for a further six months, and the planned Retail Prices Index (RPI) rise in duty is deferred to 1 July 2027. The government says that from April 2027 petrol and diesel will be 15p a litre cheaper than they would have been under the previous government's plans.

Across this Parliament, the government estimates its fuel duty decisions will save the average car driver about £230, the average large goods vehicle driver £472, and the average heavy goods driver nearly £4,000 compared with previous plans.

More tax-free mileage for people who drive for work

The government is permanently increasing the generosity of tax-free mileage rates for work journeys in a personal vehicle. This will support around 2 million employees and 1 million self-employed people across the UK.

Cheaper electric-vehicle charging

For electric-vehicle owners, prices are being cut at local, lower-powered public chargers — saving, the government estimates, an average of £150 a year for drivers who rely on them.

When it takes effect

The extended duty cut and the deferred rise apply now; the 15p-a-litre difference in fuel prices is stated from April 2027.

Source: official GOV.UK material on the Autumn Budget 2026.