Land Rover drivers 'now face £60 tax charge every time' after April change

Land Rover drivers are feeling the pinch as soaring pump prices see diesel costs surge by more than 36% in just nine weeks, fresh analysis has uncovered. Data from PetrolPrices.co.uk shows petrol climbed from 131.46p per litre on February 9, 2026, to 158.17p on April 13, 2026 – a jump of 20.3%. Diesel, meanwhile, leapt from 140.72p per litre to 192.14p over the same timeframe, marking a staggering 36.5% rise. The dramatic spike in petrol and diesel costs comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with oil markets rattled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced in late February, and no resolution yet in sight. For Land Rover drivers, the financial sting is most acutely felt when filling up, Land Rover Monthly magazine, which carried out the analysis, said. A 70-litre petrol tank at April's peak would have set motorists back roughly £110.72, compared to £92.02 in February. Those filling a 70-litre diesel tank faced an even sharper increase, with costs rising to approximately £134.50 from £98.50. Further analysis by Land Rover Monthly revealed that, at April's fuel-price zenith, nearly £60 of a 70-litre diesel fill comprised fuel duty and VAT alone. Currently, fuel duty stands at 52.95p per litre for both petrol and diesel, while VAT is levied at 20% on most fuels. Land Rover Monthly highlighted that the fuel crisis has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns for the 4x4 community, especially for those who depend on their vehicles for countryside journeys, work purposes, towing, family trips, exhibitions and extended travel. Yet the publication noted the reality is far more nuanced than the clichéd image of Land Rovers as mere "gas guzzlers". According to LRM's examination of insurance industry mileage and insured-value data, many older Land Rovers have now become treasured low-mileage vehicles rather than daily drivers. Pre-1990 Land Rovers in the dataset recorded an average of just 1,425 miles annually, while models from 1990 to 2000 averaged 3,188 miles. In comparison, 2000-2016 Defenders in the same dataset averaged 7,263 miles per year, positioning them much closer to typical everyday vehicles in terms of yearly usage. The Department for Transport's 2024 National Travel Survey estimated average car mileage at approximately 7,100 miles annually. The same Land Rover Monthly research revealed that classic Land Rovers maintain substantial insured values. Series I models, including Minerva variants, ranged from £4,000 to £115,000, with an average insured value of £22,389. Series II models averaged £11,834, Series III models averaged £11,467 and Land Rover 101 Forward Control models averaged £15,547. Defender, 90, 110 and 127 models up to 2016 displayed the broadest insured-value spectrum, with examples recorded from £2,500 to £180,000. Steve Miller, publisher of Land Rover Monthly, said: "Fuel prices have become one of the biggest shared frustrations in the Land Rover community. Land Rovers are part of rural life, work, family memories and British motoring heritage. For some owners, they are cherished classics used sparingly. For others, especially later Defenders, they are still practical vehicles used week in, week out. "What unites everyone is that the cost of fuel is being felt every time they fill up. When almost £60 of tax can be built into a single 70-litre diesel fill-up, ministers need to recognise the pressure on rural drivers, working vehicles and classic 4x4 enthusiasts. "That is why events like Land Rover Monthly Live matter. They bring the community together, not only to celebrate the vehicles, but to talk about the real issues affecting ownership today." Land Rover Monthly Live is set to return to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, 2026. The weekend-long event will boast camping, trade stands, club displays, a live events arena, autojumble, a beer tent, live music, family entertainment and dog-friendly access. Those purchasing visitor tickets will receive one month's access to Land Rover Monthly's All-Access Digital Vault, while camping ticket holders will enjoy three months' access.