VAT on petrol and diesel

That this House observes with concern the ongoing increase in fuel prices across Scotland and the UK, with the cost of petrol and diesel in the UK hitting an all-time high; notes that the Government announced at the recent Autumn Budget that fuel duty rates will remain frozen at 57.95 pence per litre; highlights that drivers are charged a further 20 per cent in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel including fuel duty, resulting in drivers effectively being double-taxed, with increased transportation costs being passed on to consumers and inflation further accelerated; is mindful that this is taking place against the backdrop of the covid-19 recovery and a further significant increase in energy costs as of 1 April 2022; is aware that rises in fuel quickly feeds into the overall cost of living as hauliers pass on their extra outlays to customers; understands that the Treasury is in receipt of billions of pounds in additional revenue as receipts from VAT on fuel at forecourts rockets and other prices rise, accelerating inflation; and endorses the calls on the Government from petrol retailers to halve VAT on fuel to ease pressure on consumers and alleviate the very real difficulties households and businesses currently face.