UK FORWARDERS WELCOME GOVERNMENT DECISION NOT TO INCREASE FUEL DUTY … PRESS FOR ESSENTIAL USER REBATE

On behalf of its members, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) – www.bifa.org - has given a cautious welcome to the news that the government has postponed plans to increase fuel duty by two pence per litre from October this year.

Welcoming the news as a victory for common sense, BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill says: “This is a positive message to freight forwarders and other businesses whose services are so highly dependent on fuel and play such an important role in the UK economy and international trade.

“Our members are facing fuel prices at record levels, as well as steep rises in other costs. Foreign hauliers are offering cross border services with cheaper fuel purchased abroad.

“Whilst we welcome the news of the postponement, we will continue to urge the government to take the next step and cancel it, as well as introduce an essential user rebate.

“This would be a clear demonstration of support from government to businesses in our sector which operate on the tightest of margins and put us in a better position to both facilitate international trade and compete on a level playing field with foreign competition."

BIFA represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. It says that ongoing uncertainty over fuel prices is one of the biggest concerns of its members, which pay the highest diesel taxes in Europe.