More than 470 transport operators have backed an open letter delivered to Downing Street urging the government to scrap planned fuel-duty increases from September. The move comes as diesel prices have surged during the Middle East conflict, adding fresh pressure to already strained haulage costs.
The letter, organised by the Road Haulage Association and delivered on Wednesday 22 April, warns that raising fuel duty later this year would hit freight, coach and van operators just as diesel bills are already climbing.
The pressure point is clear. The temporary 5 pence-per-litre fuel-duty cut is due to end on 31 August 2026, with duty then set to rise in three stages: 1p per litre on 1 September, 2p on 1 December and 2p on 1 March 2027.
That timetable now collides with a fresh diesel shock. UK parliamentary briefings published in March said diesel prices had risen much faster than petrol since the start of the Middle East conflict, increasing operating costs for road transport firms.
Against that backdrop, operators are arguing that a duty increase this autumn would create a double hit: higher fuel prices first, then higher tax.
The letter also goes beyond calling for the September rise to be scrapped. The RHA says it wants an essential-user rebate for haulage, coach and van operators, as well as fairer payment terms and no inflation-linked increase from April 2027.
