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RHA: Hauliers braced for winter of discontent

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Britain's road hauliers are bracing themselves for a difficult winter as oil prices continue to hover around record levels.

Although the price of crude oil has fallen back in the last two days, pressure on supply from tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico and continuing volatility in price from the Middle East means petrol is expected to start to climb in price once more.

Last week the price of crude oil hit an all-time high, peaking at a level of almost $84 per barrel, something the Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive, Roger King, feels is an ominous portent.

"This record-breaking price for crude oil will inevitably mean that we will see a dramatic rise in the price for petrol and diesel," he commented.

"Our fear is that as a result of events on what is effectively the other side of the world, motorists in general and road hauliers in particular will have to weather their own storms this winter."

It is a fear which was also voiced last week by the RMI Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which warned motorists could be placed under "undue financial strain" if prices continue to go up.

Of particular concern is the likely impact in light of plans by the Treasury to levy a two pence per litre increase in fuel duty, which is set to take effect from the start of next month.

Duty has already increased twice in the last ten months and both the RHA and the RMI PRA are urging chancellor Alistair Darling to consider a freeze on the increase.

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