Freight group laments fuel duty increase
Date: 26 September 2007
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The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has lamented the fact that fuel duty will increase by 2p per litre next Monday, saying that it will impact on the whole population.
This is because nearly everything that is consumed in the UK is transported by freight haulage vehicles and courier companies, and the cost of these journeys will now increase.
In fact, from October 1st the fuel duty on diesel will become the highest rate in Europe at 50.35p per litre. In contrast, the average level in Europe is 22.7p per litre.
The 2p increase will bump up the annual operating costs of a single 44 tonne articulated lorry by no less than £870.
"Fuel represents a third of the operating cost of many lorries and significant increases in fuel prices are bad news for transport and thus for consumers," said the FTA's Geoff Dossetter.
"It is very disappointing that, at a time of such turbulence in world oil prices, the government has chosen to impose a further increase in costs for industry andmotorists.
"Road transport costs constitute an ingredient in the price of almost everything we eat, drink and use every day and it is essential that we contain those costs as far as we are able.
"Even at this late stage the government should recognise the extent of the problem and reconsider imposing this unnecessary increase in fuel duty."
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