RHA calls for emergency Essential Fuel User Rebate

Last week has underlined just how exposed the UK remains to global energy shocks.

Instability in the Middle East has already driven sharp increases in oil and gas prices - and the impact is unlikely to be short-lived. Even if tensions ease, the effects on energy costs are expected to last for months.

Rising energy costs don’t sit in isolation - they feed directly into inflation, business costs, and ultimately the cost of living. With the next energy price cap change approaching, further pressure is likely.

For road transport - HGVs, coaches and vans - this is immediate. We work within a very integrated National, European an Global supply chain.

Fuel is not discretionary. It is fundamental.

80 % of freight moves on roads , coaches connect communities , vans deliver the last mile , We are economic enablers.

Every increase in fuel costs flows through supply chains - into food, retail, construction, manufacturing and passenger transport - adding pressure across the economy.

That’s why the focus must now be on managing cost and reducing the risk of sustained inflation.

This is not about insulating one sector. It’s about maintaining stability across UK plc.

The RHA as the largest dedicated trade association to this sector is calling for urgent engagement with the Chancellor, with clear, practical steps that would make a real difference:

• Introduce a targeted Essential Fuel User Rebate for commercial operators
• Provide certainty on fuel duty, including maintaining current levels and removing future inflation-linked increases
• Strengthen oversight of the fuel market to ensure fair and transparent pricing
• Improve UK energy security and long-term resilience
• Support cash flow across supply chains through 30-day payment terms

These are practical measures to reduce cost pressure, support investment and keep the economy moving. Collaborating across the supply chain trade bodies allows us to continue to drive business on the road