2p fuel duty increase postponed

The government’s planned 2p fuel duty rise has been postponed from the planned October start date. The announcement comes in the face of record fuel prices, and growing protests from hard-hit motorists and truckers.Although the announcement won’t do anything to reduce the sky-high costs of petrol and diesel, Chancellor Alistair Darling said the postponement would “help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone.”The rise in fuel duty was originally planned to happen in March this year, but was set back to October following the sharp rise in oil prices. A new date for the 2p rise is yet to be announced. Despite the welcome news, many are maintaining that the decision is not enough. A spokesperson for the RAC stated that “We would like to see the chancellor not just postpone fuel rises but actually cut fuel duty.”

>>> The postponement of the 2p fuel tax rise comes after the Environment Secretary said the rising cost of motoring was a good thing