News

The Government has decided to postpone the two pence per litre increase in fuel duty due in October, as well as delaying planned increases in road fuel gases, biofuel duty rates and rebated oils rates.

Chancellor Alistair Darling says: "The global credit crunch and sharp rises in world oil prices have pushed up prices at the pump. Today's decision will help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone."

The Road  Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the decision, but considers it to be a very small step towards helping the industry upon which literally every home and business in the UK is totally reliant.

"Of course the freeze is good news", said RHA chief executive Roger King. "Any measure to reduce fuel costs for haulage operators cannot be regarded as anything else. Today's news comes a few minutes before we are due to see Exchequer Secretary Angela Eagle at the Treasury, and if such news occurs on the eve of any visit we make, we should make them more often.

"However, although this two pence per litre freeze is very welcome, while world oil prices are at an all-time high, we believe it should be abandoned altogether, along with the increase proposed for next March we will be telling Angela Eagle that today."