Diesel drivers facing further hikes
Diesel drivers can expect an increase of one pence per mile to fuel duty when the Autumn Budget is announced tomorrow.
This is according to the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), which has described the increase as a thinly disguised tax grab, using air quality issues as justification.
Brian Madderson, PRA chairman said, ‘Along with other trade associations, we have repeatedly warned the chancellor against such an economically regressive move because it will push up prices for consumers and businesses already suffering with inflation at a five year high.
‘To force this increase at a time when crude oil and worldwide wholesale costs are ramping up, is also at odds with the government’s avowed aim of supporting the UK economy in the lead up to our formal exit from the EU in 2019. Does the chancellor really want to hammer already hard-pressed consumers, damage the economy, and make us less competitive with our European neighbours?’
The PRA believes this tax hike would earn the Treasury over £800 million per year.
