Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on farmers of the higher cost of red diesel following the closure of the Straits of Hormuz; and what steps they will take to alleviate any difficulties of increased costs and lack of supply.

This Government is aware there have been increases in the price of red diesel as a result of volatility in international markets, influenced by the continued instability in the Middle East. This Government is taking decisive action to support fishers and farmers by cutting the duty on red diesel to its lowest rate in over 20 years, reducing the rate on red diesel by a third.

This Government speaks regularly with the fuel industry, and the UK remains well stocked for all fuel types.