Osborne faces fuel price pressure

16/11/11

By Gemma Roberts

The Commons is putting pressure on Chancellor George Osborne to keep soaring fuel prices down.

MPs are supporting a motion calling for a stabilisation mechanism for fuel prices and urged the Government to drop next year's planned duty increase.

The motion, passed by MPs without a vote, was signed in advance by more than 100 MPs, including 83 Tories and five Liberal Democrats.

The issue was debated in the Commons after an e-petition to tackle rising fuel prices was signed by more than 100,000 people.

This comes ahead of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement in November, which will see Mr Osborne detail the state of the economy.

During this address he will also respond to the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

It has been reported that ministers could be reconsidering a duty hike of 3p set for January.

Any changes to tax policy will be announced in the Budget, according to the Prime Minister's spokesman.

He added: "We recognise as a Government that motoring is an essential part of everyday life for many families and fuel is a significant cost for those families."