CALLS GROW FOR CHANCELLOR TO FOLLOW OTHER NATIONS IN CUTTING 'EYE-WATERING' FUEL PRICES

RACHEL Reeves is under growing pressure to drop a planned autumn fuel duty hike with even Labour's cost of living tsar urging a rethink.

- BY GILES SHELDRICK

The Chancellor extended the 5p per litre cut in tax - introduced after Russia's full invasion of Ukraine in 2022 at last year's Budget.

But it expires in September and she has given no indication of a U-turn despite mounting household bills for millions.

The Middle East war has caused pump prices to soar to what have been described as "truly eyewatering" prices. Diesel costs 30% more than when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

It averages 185p per litre and petrol is 154p a 16% hike.

Ms Reeves is being urged to follow the lead of other countries that have introduced price caps or VAT or excise cuts to lower prices.

Iceland boss Lord Richard Walker, who is the government's cost of living champion, said: "The 5p fuel duty cut is going to expire in September. Given where we are we do need to be thinking and talking about extending it or enlarging it.