Written statement: Fuel supply: updating fees for military drivers - January 20

Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks): The Secretary of State will be using powers under the Energy Act 2013 to increase the hourly rate for use of military fuel tanker drivers paid by hauliers during a deployment of this capability. This programme is a long-standing fuel supply contingency measure jointly managed by my Department and the Ministry of Defence to make trained Military drivers available to support fuel deliveries in an emergency.

This is a routine increase to keep the cost in line with inflationary increases since 2021, and in line with agreements signed with industry.

A Direction under section 148(3)(b) of the Energy Act 2013 was made to increase the hourly price from £28.51 to £34.44. This will take effect on 20 January 2026. I believe this direction is fair and proportionate as it will now take account of inflationary price increases from 2021 calculated using the Consumer Price Inflation Index and has been agreed with industry. The Secretary of State reserves the right to make further changes to the charging regime if that becomes necessary.