paul burke said,Only the VAT element is taxed pro-rata.
that still means that the government benefits as the price rises.
if governments abolished vat on petrol,and reintroduced gambling tax,and introduced tax on alcohol and cigarettes.,they could replace lost tax revenue.
the transportation of goods/ food is essential,gambling, smoking, drinking is not.
they would be able to reduce inflation, and probably win the next general election.
of course they could put greater effort in to encouraging alternative fuel,but that would not be popular with the oil companies.Dick Miles