The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement to continue the fuel duty freeze.

RHA Managing Director Richard Smith said:

“The RHA has long campaigned on this issue, so we welcome today’s brave decision from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to continue the freeze in fuel duty. Haulage and coach businesses are essential to economic growth. With operating costs increasing, margins tightening and the direct link between higher movement costs and inflation, the last thing these vital businesses needed was a rise in fuel duty.

“Fuel prices continue to put a massive strain on budgets with diesel prices higher here than in any EU member state. More could still be done to support these businesses, the essential users of diesel for whom no other affordable choice of fuel exists. This would go some way to reducing some of the pressures that have driven consumer prices higher.

“The Government’s long-term vision for growth cannot be achieved without taking the right steps to support a sector which is crucial to the economic health of the country.

“We’ll continue to engage with decision makers on solutions and opportunities to support our industry which will deliver wider economic benefit across the UK.”