Duty-free fuel for Kent?

Fuel prices in Dover could soon be slashed by up to 30 per cent if Kent County Council has its way. It’s looking for permission from the Government to cut fuel duty at the port to encourage foreign truckers to buy fuel.

Fuel tax is just 36.76p per litre in France, and 28p per litre in Luxembourg, compared to 57.95p per litre here. So foreign truckers fill up on diesel before entering Britain and, thanks to the enormous fuel tanks of HGVs, can travel all across the country without needing to refill until they’re back on the Continent.

“They don’t contribute a penny to Britain but are a burden on our roads,” council leader Paul Carter told us. “You’ve got to bring the duty down to a competitive level with France and Luxembourg.”

The move could see fuel at Dover being sold for as much as 30p per litre less than in the rest of the UK. And British truckers and private motorists crossing the Channel would benefit from the lower prices, too.

Kent County Council has already notified the Department for Transport of its idea and is putting together a proposal for roads minister Mike Penning. “The idea would be a fuel station within the customs zone,” said Carter. “We think it’s doable. And even with a lower rate of duty, it would produce around £500m worth of Treasury revenue that goes to France or Luxembourg. It’s a win-win situation.”

The council’s plan was the only silver lining for a crisis-hit fuel industry last week. As we went to press, the threat of an oil tanker drivers’ strike was looming after Unite union members voted overwhelmingly in favour of action.

Unite represents the major fuel distribution companies in the UK, which supply 90 per cent of the nation’s forecourts. And there were queues at petrol stations last week after Government advice to motorists to stockpile fuel sparked panic buying.