A vehicle breakdown service in Jersey has reported that escalating fuel costs have added between £9,000 and £11,000 to its expenses. Oliver du Feu, owner of Channel Island Recovery, stated that the financial pressure is significant because his fleet of trucks holds between 80 and 120 litres of diesel and requires refueling every two days.
Mr du Feu argued that a reduction of 30p to 50p per litre in fuel duty would be necessary to help businesses cope. He cautioned that while his company has absorbed the higher costs for now, he may be forced to pass the expenses on to customers if prices continue to climb.
The commercial impact comes as a proposal to lower the current fuel duty, which stands at approximately 65p per litre, by 10p for the October-to-December period was withdrawn. Deputy Lucy Stephenson revealed she pulled the proposition following constructive talks with Treasury Minister Alan Maclean.
Mr Maclean described duty cuts as a “blunt tool” that disproportionately benefits wealthier individuals. Instead, he indicated that the upcoming government budget would introduce targeted measures to assist with the cost of living. However, he acknowledged that residents might feel anxious about the lack of immediate relief before next year.
The minister noted that while prices are considerably higher than they were three years ago, the pace of increases has slightly decelerated. He warned that the first quarter of next year would likely represent the period of greatest financial pressure for households.
Carl Walker from the Jersey Consumer Council highlighted that the impact of fuel prices extends beyond drivers. With 97% of goods consumed on the island being imported, transport costs affect all consumer prices, including basic necessities like milk. The council reported that usage of its fuel and food price comparison website has more than doubled compared to last year.
Jon Best, director of ATF Fuels in Jersey, confirmed that wholesale fuel prices have hit a four-month high. He emphasized that despite the islands’ geographic distance from the Middle East, local costs remain vulnerable to global market disruptions in supply, production, or distribution.
Similar trends are visible across the UK, where petrol and diesel costs are currently at their highest levels since 2022. The Jersey government is expected to publish its proposed budget by the end of September, ahead of a formal debate in December.
If next year is going to be the hardest period, why are we waiting until December to debate the budget? The anxiety is real.
Wait, the proposal to lower it by 10p was actually withdrawn? I thought that was already happening. Good to know I wasn’t imagining it.
Is calling fuel duty cuts a ‘blunt tool’ just polite government speak for ignoring small businesses? Seems like an excuse to do nothing.
I drive one of those trucks. Refueling every two days with 120 litres adds up fast. Hope they find a real solution soon.
That 97% import stat is terrifying. It’s not just drivers suffering; literally everything on the shelves costs more because of this.