Only a cut in the current fuel duty rate of 57.95ppl will support the competitiveness of the UK economy. That’s the message from the Road Haulage Association – the only UK organisation dedicated to those responsible for the movement by road of 85% of the UK economy.
“Hauliers have no choice but to pass on the cost of fuel to their customers”, said RHA chief executive Richard Burnett.
“Fuel alone accounts for up to a third of an HGV’s running costs. A modern 44-tonne articulated truck will give around 8mpg and typically cover 73,000 miles a year. To do that, it will use 41,483 litres (9,125 gallons) of diesel at a cost today of £39,496 ex-vat and every penny increase – either in fuel duty or the actual price paid at the pump, adds over £400 a year to its operating costs
· Fuel duty, currently standing at 59.75 ppl, undermines competitiveness
· It absorbs the working capital of haulage businesses.
· Its impact in the more remote areas of the UK, which are further from suppliers and major markets, is especially damaging.