Missed opportunity to cut fuel duty and ease pain for many businesses says RHA

Commercial vehicle businesses, who are responsible for moving 80% of all goods in this country, are facing soaring fuel costs.

Many HGV, coach and van operators are now facing fuel prices more than 30% higher than they were just a few weeks ago.

RHA MD, Richard Smith said:

“Today was a missed opportunity from the Chancellor to cut fuel duty and reassure key sectors like ours. In terms of fuel price scrutiny, we’re clear that this must not stop at the forecourt.

“Our essential industry is a key economic enabler. That is why we have been calling for the planned fuel duty rise to be scrapped, along with any link to future inflation rises. Such a rise would be a hammer blow for many firms.

Commenting further, Richard Smith added:

“We are also calling for an essential fuel user rebate for commercial vehicles. These are sensible measures that would give businesses much-needed confidence at this uncertain time.

“We need to see action from Government. We want to meet with the Chancellor urgently to discuss these matters in greater detail.“

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Notes to editors:

RHA ASKS

We’re calling on the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves to meet with us urgently so we can explain why we need her to:

· Cut fuel duty

· Ensure planned changes to fuel duty in September are scrapped – alongside the planned move to link fuel duty to RPI from April 2027

· Introduce an essential fuel duty rebate for commercial vehicle operators

· Scrap the planned move to link fuel duty to RPI from April 2027

· Protect cashflow – Introduce minimum 30-day payment terms across supply chains