Labour is facing calls to abandon planned fuel duty increases amid warnings that they would further strain family finances this winter. Campaigners argue that rising petrol and diesel prices are already damaging household budgets, workers’ ability to travel and the wider economy, particularly as tensions in the Middle East push pump prices higher.

The proposed increases include a 3p-per-litre rise in January, 2p in March and the end of the fuel duty freeze in April, with VAT bringing the total increase to 7.2p per litre. This would add almost £4 to filling a family car; however, Treasury insiders say no final decision has been made, while retaining the existing 5p cut would cost about £2.4 billion annually.