Wealden Taxi Fares Could Rise By 10% Amid Diesel Price Fluctuations

Taxi passengers in Wealden could see fares increase by up to 10% later this year as diesel prices continue to fluctuate, according to a council report.

The rise comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with the US-Israel conflict with Iran contributing to volatility in fuel costs.

The RAC Foundation reported that the average diesel price in the UK was 144.5p per litre as of 4 March.

Wealden District Council (WDC) will discuss the proposed fare increase at a committee meeting on Thursday.

Maximum taxi fares in the area were last adjusted in October 2022, and since then inflation has driven up costs by around 15%, the report said.

However, diesel prices have fallen by roughly 25% since October 2022—from 188p per litre to 141p per litre in February 2026.

Despite the drop, council officers say a 10% fare rise is still “reasonable” to reflect wider costs.

If the committee approves, a public consultation will take place later this year.

The council could then make a final decision on the fare changes in September.

Passengers and taxi drivers are being urged to follow updates from WDC as the consultation progresses.