The RHA said it wanted immediate targeted support for commercial vehicles in the form of an essential user rebate, amid soaring fuel prices.
It said that while a ceasefire was welcomed and could stabilise volatile markets, prices were already high and placing significant and unsustainable pressure on operators.
The RHA said other countries had already taking action, with France, Spain and Italy allowing commercial operators to reclaim part of their diesel duty, while others had introduced temporary fuel tax cuts or targeted support for transport operators.
MD Richard Smith said: “That’s why we are calling for an essential user rebate for HGV, coach and van operators.
“These sectors are essential users of fuel. They keep supply chains moving, support communities and underpin the wider economy.
“Around 80% of goods are moved by road, and commercial vehicles contribute over a third of all fuel duty receipts, yet they are among the most exposed to rising fuel costs.”
The RHA made the call after the Liberal Democrats announced it would be urging the government to introduce a 10p per litre fuel duty cut for three months for all users.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: “We had a cost of living crisis before the idiotic Iran war by Trump, now it’s an emergency situation, so we are calling on the government and we are going to push it hard next week in Parliament when it returns to adopt our policy of a 10p cut per litre cut for petrol and diesel.
“It can afford to do it, it’s getting a lot of money for the high oil and gas prices. We reckon it’s getting £8bn a year extra, a windfall,” he added.
