by
Autonet Insurance
| Oct 20, 2008
The news that petrol prices have dropped back under £1 a litre amid a supermarket price war is "a smack in the teeth" to the UK haulage industry, an representative body has said.
The Road Hauliers Association (RHA) said its members were still paying nearly 12p per litre more than users of petrol, which would keep food and other goods delivered by road.
Head of communications Kate Gibbs said: "Road hauliers provide an essential service. Without them, the UK really would come to a standstill.
"Despite this, they are still paying over the odds for their fuel and still paying one of the highest levels of diesel duty within the EU.
"This cost difference feeds through directly to the price of food and other goods, thereby further increasing the cost of living."
The RHA said drivers who chose diesel cars after they were touted as the economic option are also getting a raw deal.
Head of communications Kate Gibbs said: "Diesel cars accounted for more than 40 per cent of new car sales in 2007. But now the pump price differential between petrol and diesel has made the engine choice almost immaterial."
© The Press Association 2008