By Christian Abbott
Petrol and diesel drivers could see fuel duty return for first time in three years in fresh plans. Treasury Minister Elaine Millar of the Jersey State Assembly confirmed her department is in discussions around the reintroduction of fuel duty for the first time in three years. Speaking to the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel last week, Millar said reintroducing the inflation-linked levy on petrol and diesel was “on the cards” for 2026. “Fuel duty, that is one of the things that we are discussing,” the Minister told panel members during the hearing, with plans on the proposal due later this year. READ MORE Next UK heatwave set to be ‘even hotter than expected’ and will start within days “We are discussing, but as we see the balancing act,” she told the panel when asked directly about sticking to commitments to reintroduce the fuel duty inflation component that was suspended. Millar acknowledged the delicate nature of the decision, stating that the Government will “try and minimise growth,” referring to keeping Government fees and charges low. She noted that while the Treasury had frozen certain duties last year and continued to increase tax allowances, any changes “have to be balanced against public health arguments on alcohol and environmental arguments on fuel duties”. Millar told members of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel on Friday that reintroducing inflation-linked costs to petrol and diesel is on the cards for 2026, citing the benefit to government revenue streams. Responding to a question by panel member Deputy Jonathan Renouf, Deputy Millar said reintroducing fuel duty formed part of a 鈥渂alancing act鈥 in considerations for the 2026-2029 government budget. The Minister also confirmed that she is planning no other taxes for next year ahead of September鈥檚 budget announcement, apart from the previously announced vape tax for public health and deterrent purposes. The Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves extended the fuel duty freeze at the Autumn Budget.