Bennett’s Haulage, based in Reading, added the 7%-10% levy after its diesel bill rose by around 35% in just eight weeks. Managing director Stephen Bennett told the BBC the spike was adding roughly £3,000 a week to costs, leaving the company with little choice but to pass some of the burden on to customers.
The operator runs 12 vehicles, and depending on the work involved, the surcharge adds between £50 and £100 a day to customer bills. Bennett said the company had held off for as long as possible, but described the situation as unsustainable.
Bennett’s is not alone. On 9 March, freight forwarder Killick Martin announced that fuel surcharges were being applied to transport services across the UK with immediate effect, with operators introducing increases of around 8%–15%. It warned that further rises could follow if higher oil prices continue to feed through to the pump.
The wider picture on fuel costs is stark. According to the RAC, UK diesel reached 171.17p per litre on 23 March 2026, up 28.8p since 28 February and the highest average price in more than three years.
The Road Haulage Association has also sounded the alarm, warning that rising fuel costs are placing growing strain on operators. On 11 March, it urged the government to cut fuel duty by at least 5p, reverse a planned increase due in September, and take further steps to ease pressure on transport businesses.
Europe is not cushioning the diesel shock in the same way
The UK picture looks even starker when set against developments elsewhere in Europe. While some governments have moved to soften the impact through excise cuts, diesel rebates or direct price interventions, UK operators are still facing rising pump prices with no fresh broad support package and the temporary 5p fuel duty cut remains due to start unwinding after 31 August 2026 unless policy changes.
Italy has introduced temporary excise relief alongside haulage support, Romania has extended its diesel reimbursement scheme, and Slovenia has intervened directly in fuel pricing, though that last measure has raised concerns about cross-border refuelling pressure.
