"The global credit crunch and sharp rises in world oil prices have pushed up prices at the pump,” he says. “Today’s decision will help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone.” The decision to defer the increase in duty had been taken in response to sharp rises in world commodity prices, with the price of oil almost doubling over the past year. But does Darling’s decision go far enough? “Given that fuel has increased by about 25 per cent over the past year, the announcement about postponing the 2p rise in petrol duty only represents a saving of about £1 per tank for a normal family car," says Kate Lester, founder of Surrey-based Diamond Logistics."This is clearly an inadequate response from the government – who should perhaps look at emulating Tory proposals of cutting fuel duty when oil prices rise. Today’s decision doesn’t address the long-term issues linked to rising fuel prices. What’s the government going to do when prices reach $300 a barrel? Karen Dee, head of infrastructure at the Confederation of British Industry, agrees that the government needs to go one step further: "This will be a welcome relief for hard-pressed hauliers, businesses and other motorists, especially since fuel prices have risen so much. But in the longer-term, the government needs to level out the playing field so that UK hauliers can compete with their foreign counterparts who enjoy far cheaper fuel prices." The Forum of Private Business (FBP) isn’t impressed, either. "While postponement of the 2p fuel duty rise is welcome news for our members, the FPB would like the government to go further and actually cut VAT on fuel instead of deferring the increase every six months," comments Nick Palin, the FPB’s finance and administration director. “With surging oil prices, adopting the Freight Tranport Association’s proposals to half fuel duty would bring some relief to small businesses.” Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable has hit out at Darling’s U-turn, claiming "it’s utter madness to make an early decision when no one knows either what the price of oil will be or what state the public finances will be in come the autumn. "He’s been panicked into making a snap decision. “The Government has no credibility over fuel duty. Labour froze fuel tax when oil cost $30, then $50 and then $140 dollars a barrel, citing high oil prices, while being content to see the tax rise at other times. “Alistair Darling must explain what he thinks fuel duty is for.” Related articles:Online entrepreneur cashes in on rising fuel prices"Fuel prices are denting profits," says transport entrepreneurFuel duty will cripple us Picture source
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.