Cost of red diesel

That this House notes with concern the sharp increase in the price of red diesel, which as of April 2026 has risen to 123.7p per litre, representing a 79 per cent increase from its 2025 average price of 69p per litre; acknowledges that this increase has coincided with a rise in the cost of imported fertiliser from £404/tonne in February to £530/tonne in April, having soared by £150/tonne from April 2025; recognises that red diesel is the primary fuel used by agricultural machinery and is essential to domestic food production; further acknowledges that analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit has found that UK farmers face having to spend £337 million more on red diesel this year as a consequence of Trump’s illegal war with Iran; understands the impact the increased overhead costs will have on farming operations throughout the farming season, making it a key factor influencing farm profitability; further notes that the US's blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of retaliatory action against ports in the Gulf states are likely to force oil and gas prices to rise further; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to mitigate the impact of rising fuel and fertiliser costs on the agricultural sector, including by reducing fuel duty by 10 per cent in order to help lower the cost of red diesel to support farmers during this period of increased financial pressure.