The share of petrol pump prices going to the Government has dropped from 81 per cent in 2001/02 to 66 per cent in 2009/10, according to figures revealed today by ONS. However, this is still higher than the low of 62 per cent in 2008/09.

The Government’s share of the pump price has dropped because, although petrol duty has been rising, it has not kept up with overall fuel price rises.

The data also show that the poorest 20 per cent of households paid almost twice as much of their income in duties on fuel than the richest 20 per cent. In 2009/10, the poorest 20 per cent of households paid 3.5 per cent of their disposable income on duty, compared with only 1.8 per cent for the top 20 per cent. Overall, the average UK household spent 2.3 per cent of its disposable income on duties on fuel.

However, in cash terms, the richest 20 per cent of households paid almost three-times the amount paid by the bottom 20 per cent. In 2009/10 the richest 20 per cent of households spent £1,062 on petrol taxes, compared with £365 for the poorest 20 per cent of households. Overall, the average UK household spent £677 on duties on fuel in 2009/10.