As the ongoing fuel crisis continues to bite, two in five (42%) Brits are concerned about the rising cost of petrol and diesel, while one in five (20%) admit the pressure is causing stress and anxiety, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance.
The research reveals the crisis is already reshaping behaviour on the road and at home. Almost a third (32%) are driving less to save fuel, 12% are cutting back on other household spending to afford fuel, and 12% are choosing alternative transport such as public transport, cycling, or walking. One in ten (9%) admit they’re scared to drive their vehicle in case they can’t get fuel, while 7% are even considering working from home more often to reduce commuting costs.
Smaller numbers are exploring longer-term solutions: 7% are thinking about switching to a more fuel-efficient or electric vehicle, and 4% report they currently cannot afford to fuel their car at all.
The social impact of the crisis is clear: 62% of consumers know someone personally worried about fuel costs, highlighting how widespread the concern has become. Further research also found that rising fuel prices remain the top concern for more than a third (36%) of Brits over the next 12 months.
When it comes to the ongoing fuel crisis, consumers are:
- Concerned about the increasing cost of fuel - 42%
- Driving less to reduce the amount of fuel I need - 32%
- Feeling stressed or anxious about rising fuel prices - 20%
- Cutting back on other household spending to afford fuel - 12%
- Choosing alternative transport (public transport, cycling, walking) to save on fuel costs - 12%
- Scared to drive my vehicle in case I can’t get fuel - 9%
- Working from home more often to avoid commuting costs - 7%
- Considering buying a more fuel-efficient or electric vehicle because of high fuel prices 7%
- Currently can't afford to fuel my car - 4%
- Considering/have cancelled my Easter plans so I don’t have to drive - 4%
- Car-sharing or charging for lifts due to rising costs - 3%
John Cassidy, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, commented: “The fuel crisis is no longer just a cost issue - it’s a pressure point on everyday life. With two in five drivers worried about rising prices and one in five uneasy about simply getting from A to B, it’s clear the impact goes beyond finances.
“What’s particularly concerning is that people aren’t just changing how they drive - they’re cutting back on household spending to keep their vehicles on the road. For many, driving isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, it’s part of their job, so these rising costs are forcing difficult trade-offs.
“While tools like the Fuel Finder Scheme are a step in the right direction, they don’t address the root of the problem. If high fuel prices persist, there is a growing case for further support to help ease the burden on motorists who are already stretching their budgets to breaking point.”
