"Britain's White Van Drivers Struggling Financially as Diesel Prices Soar Amid Iran War Turmoil"

BRITAIN’S white van tradesmen and women are “bleeding cash” as ­diesel soars 26p per litre above petrol because of the Iran War.

Last night, the price hit £1.95 per litre at a garage, piling pressure on PM Sir to deliver a rescue plan.

Queues formed at UK garages including at Costco in ReadingCredit: Doug Seeburg White van tradesmen and women are ‘bleeding cash’ as ­diesel soarsCredit: Getty

Skilled workers such as electricians and plumbers will have little choice but to pass the increased costs on to customers, further adding to cost-of-living woes.

Sir Keir faces calls to scrap the planned 5p fuel duty hike from September and even to slash VAT rates from pump costs, like in .

cost around 9p more per litre than petrol when US air strikes first hit last month.

The rise affects around 4.6million diesel van drivers and around 10million diesel-powered cars.

Steve Gooding, director of the Foundation, said: “Diesel is the life blood of millions of small businesses.

“But today, white van man is bleeding cash just to stay on the road.”

The PM will today host a meeting in Downing Street with , shipping and finance chiefs to discuss how government and can work together as the war drives up costs.

But the Labour government is being urged to follow the lead of countries around the world to aid drivers.

cut VAT on fuel from 21 per cent to 10 per cent, while cut the VAT rate from 23 to 8 per cent.

At home, motorists have paid more than £400million extra due to rising prices since war began.

The diesel price hit £1.95 per litre at a Kent garageCredit: © jim Bennett Starmer faces calls to scrap the planned 5p fuel duty hikeCredit: Getty

Around £70million has gone to the Treasury in extra VAT.

The Tories say they would keep the 5p fuel duty cut and Reform said it would slash 12p a litre from petrol and 14p off ­diesel for the next three months.

Shadow Business Secretary said: “With so much of the cost set by the Chancellor’s taxes, it is vital the government act.”

, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, said: “If Reeves cared about motorists, she’d make a VAT cut on fuel.”

David Boot, from the Road Haulage Association, said: “We want to meet the Chancellor to explain why cutting fuel duty and introducing a rebate for essential users would benefit the economy.”

But Cabinet Minister yesterday said it was too early for fuel duty decisions.

Fuel Industry UK said the petrol and diesel supply was “stable” — despite queues forming at UK garages yesterday including at , in Reading, Berks.

The Treasury said: “We’ve extended the 5p fuel duty cut to September to save drivers £49.”