RHA urges operators to lobby MPs against fuel duty rises

The RHA is urging truck, coach and van operators to join their campaign to persuade the Chancellor to scrap upcoming fuel duty increases.

The UK Government is due to increase fuel duty from September and will link it to inflation from April 2027. These moves will put even more burden on businesses struggling with fuel price hikes as a result of the Middle East conflict.

Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said:

“Rising fuel costs drive up prices for consumers and push businesses to the brink – which is why the RHA is asking people across the industry to get involved.

“We make the point that in 2022, the Government introduced a 5p fuel duty cut when prices soared after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We believe the current Government could support businesses and households with fuel costs this time too.”

The RHA has drafted an open letter to the Chancellor calling on her to scrap the planned increases, and ask operators to forward it to their MPs using an RHA online tool: https://rhacontactmp.uk.net/

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Notes for editors

Further comments from Richard Smith:

“We’ve been clear on the need for action on fuel and that hasn’t changed. This week, we’ve asked the industry to support a call to action by writing to MPs on fuel duty and next week we will be asking them to do the same on an Essential User Rebate.

“We’re continuing to call on government to freeze fuel duty this September and ensure it is not linked to inflation (RPI) in future. For many operators the challenge isn’t what happens later this year, it’s what’s happening right now.

“Costs have risen sharply, margins are tightening, and for some, work is becoming financially unviable – so cash flow is under real pressure.

“That’s why we are also calling for immediate support through an Essential User Rebate which would provide a mechanism to return a portion of fuel duty to those who depend on it most, helping to offset rising costs and keep vehicles on the road.”