With the Office for Budgetary Responsibility yet to announce its forecast for inflation, it looks as though the cost of fuel is going to rise by between three and five pence per litre on 1 April, leaving industry picking up the tab for a minimum of £375 million this year (based on a 3ppl rise).

The Freight Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association are calling for businesses to lend their support to the FairFuelUK campaign, which is calling for the fuel duty rise to be scrapped. Over 8,000 petitioners including hauliers, business owners, motorists and the general public have already added their support.

James Hookham, FTA’s managing director of policy, said: 'The Fair Fuel UK campaign has clearly struck a chord with the national mood – the petition went from nought to 100 signatures in the first 60 seconds that the campaign was officially launched.  Rocketing fuel prices have such a huge impact on businesses and motorists, but it is within the Government’s gift to loosen the noose from around road users’ necks and give us all some breathing space.

'We have got off to a flying start but we still need much more support.'

To help in the fight for a fairer fuel duty deal, sign up to www.fairfueluk.com