Transport planning bosses are facing another rise in fuel duty after the pre-Budget report confirmed the hike will go ahead.
Chancellor Alistair Darling ignored pleas from the industry to abandon the planned increase, which is due to take effect in April 2010.
That means logistics firms are facing up to another above-inflation rise in duty, with rates having increased by 16 per cent in as many months, the Road Haulage Association said.
Chief executive of the group Geoff Dunning claimed the "stunning series" of hikes will serve to drive up transport costs for both industry and retailers, meaning consumers will ultimately be left to foot the bill.
"Transport companies will have no alternative but to pass on the further duty increase to their customers - and we would urge the industry's customers to recognise the need to pay sustainable haulage rates," he commented.
The chancellor's announcement was also blasted by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, which claimed there was little good news for hauliers in the pre-Budget report.
It suggested Mr Darling should have introduced an incentive scheme for truck operators to help them purchase and lease more efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
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