The Autumn Budget has now been announced, bringing with it a series of motoring-related updates that affect businesses and fleet managers across the UK.
As most of us expected, the biggest headline is the government’s decision to extend the fuel duty freeze until the end of August 2026 – a move widely welcomed by motorists facing rising costs. However, once the freeze ends, planned incremental increases are due to follow. More on that below.
Alongside duty-related changes, the Budget also introduces a number of measures aimed at improving price transparency, supporting the transition to electric vehicles and setting the groundwork for future road-pricing discussions.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed, what lies ahead and what it all means for UK drivers.
Fuel duty freeze extended
The standout announcement is the continuation of the fuel duty freeze. For more than a decade, fuel duty has remained unchanged, offering welcome stability for driving filling up at the pumps. This year’s Budget confirms that this freeze will now be extended until 31st August 2026.
For drivers and fleets, this means lower running costs in the short term. With global oil markets fluctuating and household budgets under increasing pressure, keeping fuel duty at its current level helps ensure more predictable fuel pricing for the year ahead.
However, a word of warning is that the freeze won’t last forever. The government has outlined plans to gradually increase fuel duty from September 2026, signalling a shift towards restoring the tax’s real-terms value. While this won’t happen immediately, it is an important consideration for all businesses across the UK when planning their longer-term budgets.
Improved fuel price transparency
Another major update is the introduction of new rules designed to improve pump-price transparency. Following continued pressure from consumer groups and motoring organisations, fuel retailers will soon be required to share real-time pricing data, enabling drivers to compare prices more easily.
This is good news for motorists who regularly shop around for the best deal – and especially good for businesses managing multiple vehicles. Lower transparency barriers could help increase competition between forecourts, encouraging fairer pricing in local areas and across the board.
fuelGenie customers already benefit from price comparison through the fuelGenie app, which allows you to check live prices, find nearby participating supermarkets and plan routes accordingly. These national transparency measures will only add to your ability to make well-informed, cost-effective decisions around fuel, for you and your business.
EV taxation and future road pricing
Electric vehicle drivers will also notice changes ahead. The Budget introduces further steps toward equalising taxation between EVs and traditional fuel vehicles, as the UK continues its transition to net zero. These include updates to Vehicle Excise Duty, such as adjustments to company car tax rules, especially for plug-in hybrids.
On top of this, discussions surrounding future road-pricing models have resurfaced. The Budget highlights the need to explore alternative revenue systems as fuel duty declines. Drivers should expect continued consultation on this topic over the next year.
What this means for motorists
Short-term savings
The extended fuel duty freeze keeps running costs down for now – a positive outcome for both private motorists and fleets.
Long-term planning
Businesses should account for the scheduled duty increases from September 2026 when forecasting future operating costs.
Easier price comparison
The government’s new Fuel Finder scheme helps ensure drivers can quickly identify competitive prices. fuelGenie users can do this already through the app’s station locator and live price tools.
EV owners
Those driving electric vehicles should keep an eye on upcoming taxation changes to better understand how future costs may shift.
How fuelGenie helps keep costs down
During a time of changing policies and cost pressures, fuelGenie continues to support drivers and businesses with tools designed to make fuel management simple and affordable.
fuelGenie gives drivers access to low-cost supermarket fuel, helping reduce day-to-day running costs. The app makes it easy to compare prices, plan routes and locate nearby stations – ensuring you never pay more than you need to. Fleet managers can set spending limits, track usage and access clear, HMRC-approved invoices, making budgeting easier than ever.
As we head into 2026 and beyond, fuelGenie remains a smart, reliable way to keep your fuel costs under control, whatever changes the next Budget brings.
