The price of oil rocketed again this week amid reports that the US was considering further strikes on Iran, with UK businesses demanding the government stop ignoring the impact on hauliers.
News that US Central Command had prepared plans for a wave of strikes to try to break a deadlock in negotiations with Tehran sent the price of Brent Crude above $125 a barrel (£93).
It has since fallen to just below $116 (£85).
The RHA said fuel costs had now risen by around 40% for haulage operators and questioned why the government had still not acted to protect them.
“At our member briefings and meetings, we constantly hear individual stories from businesses of varying sizes and backgrounds,” said Richard Smith, RHA MD.
“Every month we’re hearing about another firm who has closed their doors or who needs to make serious cuts to services just to survive.
“One haulier told us last week he’s dealing with an extra £40,000 per week in expenditure.
“The government has the tools available to act if the will exists,” Smith added.
“The Republic of Ireland has introduced a haulier rebate and cut fuel tax. Spain runs an established commercial vehicle rebate.
“Portugal and Italy are supporting essential users too. The UK is becoming an outlier in its lack of action to support businesses with fuel costs. We must see an essential user rebate for commercial vehicles.”
Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said the Chancellor must reduce fuel duty immediately and that her failure to act threatened inflation, jobs, businesses and economic growth:
“Her inaction and seeming lack of understanding of necessary steps are causing unnecessary hardship,” he said.
“Why is she ignoring the distress her inaction is causing the nation?”
