Teletrac Navman calls for Fuel Duty freeze extension

Telematics firm Teletrac Navman has called for an extension to the freeze on Fuel Duty, in order to ease the financial strain on fleets.

It said that rising social inflation, or the rising cost of insurance claims and premiums, is driving up costs for fleets.

Teletrac Navman said that fleets are struggling to remain profitable with rising insurance costs and the pressure to decarbonise.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the Autumn Budget that the Fuel Duty freeze would end in September 2026.

Barney Goffer, UK product manager at Teletrac Navman, said: “The fleet industry is already facing significant pressure from soaring operational costs and repair expenses with the often-hidden challenge of social inflation. 

“We need to be calling for an extension to fuel duty relief rather than continuing with the current proposed staggered increase from September 2026. 

“As a result of social inflation, insurance premiums continue to rise across global fleet markets, with auto liability rising from 10% to 30%, physical damage from 20% to 25%, and umbrella liability from 10% to 30%.

“This comes at a time when 34% of fleets globally report they have been impacted by fraudulent claims, cementing the financial strain on fleet operators and leaving many businesses struggling to maintain profitability while still looking to invest in safety, net zero and compliance.