Drivers backed by £2.7m boost to ease fuel price pressure amid fears of 'network collapse'

By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-08-10 12:40:55 | Updated at 2026-08-10 13:48:49 1 hour ago

The Scottish Government has pledged further funding for certain drivers to battle against petrol and diesel prices, which continue to be a huge hindrance for motorists.

Since April 2026, the Scottish Government has delivered extra support for bus operators to deal with rising fuel costs.


It has currently invested £3.5million for operators, especially small and medium enterprises, as well as community transport operators.

A further £2.7million will be provided to continue the fuel support until October 2026, for a total cost of £6.2million.

The conflict in the Middle East between the United States and Israel has forced oil prices higher than levels seen over the last three years.

Fresh data from the RAC shows that drivers are currently paying 161.64p per litre for petrol and 181.92p for diesel.

While RAC Fuel Watch does not forecast any changes to petrol or diesel in the near future, drivers are still battling against expensive costs.

The price of Brent crude oil has jumped once again to around $85 (£63), although this could fluctuate if either nation launches strikes on the other.

Petrol pump and fuel prices

The Scottish Government has pledged a further £2.7million in support for bus operators

| GETTY

Diesel drivers are now having to pay more than £100 per average 55-litre tank, which can be found in standard family cars.

This can be even higher for larger vehicles, including vans and buses, prompting further action from the Scottish Government to protect motorists.

Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: "The services provided by bus operators and community transport operators are absolutely critical to keeping Scotland moving and allowing people to access essential goods and services.

"I'm pleased that the Scottish Government is able to offer additional support at this time and provide what I hope is some much-needed assurance to transport operators and passengers alike."

Scotland World Cup bus

The Scottish Government has already provided £3.5million for bus operators buying fuel

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PA

Mr Flynn, who represents Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine for the SNP, acknowledged that fuel makes up a significant portion of bus operating costs, potentially leading to price hikes for passengers and even "potential network collapse".

The former leader of the SNP in the House of Commons noted that this was especially important for quieter routes and rural areas where community transport organisations operate.

GB News has rounded up the most expensive petrol and diesel prices seen over the last week across the UK, using data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool.

Fuel pumpEstimates suggest that drivers could save up to 6p per litre with Fuel Finder | PA

Most expensive petrol prices

Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 204p

Island Carriers, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly (TR21 0JY) - 203p

Asda Cherwell Valley Express Petrol, Bicester, Oxfordshire (OX27 7RD) - 186.9p

G H Lunn & Sons Ltd, Lower Weare, Somerset (BS26 2JE) - 185.9p

Shell Cullompton, Cullompton, Devon (EX15 1NS) - 185.9p

Most expensive diesel prices

Steisean Connaidh Chrosabol, Crossapol, Inner Hebrides (PA77 6UP) - 219.6p

A&C MacLean, Castlebay, Isle of Barra (HS9 5XD) - 208p

Asda Bothwell Express Petrol, Bothwell, South Lanarkshire (G71 8BG) - 204.9p

Asda Cherwell Valley Express Petrol, Bicester, Oxfordshire (OX27 7RD) - 204.9p

Asda Markham Vale Express Petrol, Tamworth, Staffordshire (B77 5PS) - 204.9p

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