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Red Diesel: Excise Duties

Asked by Will StoneLabourTreasuryTabled Answered 1 June 2026UIN 3617

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether Red Diesel for the purpose running fairs and circuses is included in the off-road operation tax freeze.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson

On 20 May, the Government announced support for households and businesses with their fuel costs, in response to the conflict in the Middle East. This included targeted support for users of red diesel and rebated biodiesel, where the duty rate for these fuels will be cut by over a third to 6.48p per litre, the lowest rate in over 20 years.

The cut will support substantial users of red diesel, such as farmers and rail freight, which have seen significant price increases as a result of the conflict. It will also benefit other users of red diesel, including travelling fairground and circus industries who use diesel for powering their machinery.

This red diesel cut will take effect from 15 June and remain in place until the end of 2026.

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