Welsh Conservative candidate for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, Tyler Chambers, has warned that Labour’s planned rise in fuel duty will hit people across Mid Wales particularly hard, where many residents rely on their cars every single day.
Mr Chambers said the Labour government’s decision to hike fuel duty showed a lack of understanding about everyday life in rural communities.
The Conservative candidate said: “Across Mid Wales people often have to travel miles just to get to work, take their children to school, attend hospital appointments or do the weekly shop. In many places there simply isn’t a reliable bus or train option, so people depend on their cars to get on with everyday life.
“When fuel prices go up, families here feel it straight away. For someone commuting into town every day or running a small business, even small increases add up quickly.”
Chambers pointed to the previous Conservative government that froze fuel duty in 2011 and maintained the freeze throughout their term. In 2022, a 5p cut was introduced to help drivers facing high prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But in the Autumn Budget 2025, Rachel Reeves announced that the cut will be gradually reversed, with motorists facing a 1p increase in September, another 2p rise in December and a further 2p increase in March.
Mr Chambers criticised the timing of the move following last week’s Spring Statement. He said: “Rachel Reeves knew that global instability was already pushing oil prices up again. Instead of helping people through that, Labour is pressing ahead with increasing fuel duty.
“That means drivers will face a double hit. Rising petrol prices and higher taxes at the pump.”
Mr Chambers added that the increase would put extra pressure on local workers and small businesses across Mid Wales.
