A proposed rise in fuel duty has been criticised by timber hauliers who claim it will add an extra £500 to the cost of operating an HGV in the UK.
In his April budget the chancellor delayed an increase in duty until October 1 because of the turbulent oil market.
Since then, the Freight Transport Association has been lobbying to delay any increase in diesel duty until world oil prices fall from their current high level.
Timber haulier Brian Harper said: “The industry is extremely concerned at any increase in costs at a time of low profitability. An increase would be another blow.
“With the fuel protests two or three years ago we managed to hold the government back, but now they think they can turn the heat up again. Whether industry can accept that or not is a different story.”
