LONDON, March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today's news will certainly get a cautious welcome from UK hauliers," said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning.

The current unrest in the Middle East is seeing oil prices rising on an almost daily basis. Every $3 on the barrel price equates to an extra 1 penny per litre at the pump; a cost that the haulier has no choice but to pass on. Today's cut will go some way to bringing relief to an industry that has quite literally been fighting for its survival. However, the inflation element has not been cancelled but simply postponed and we face two sharp increases I quick succession next year.

"The tireless campaigning that has taken place over the past few months has paid off; it makes a welcome change for a Chancellor to not only listen, but to take positive action.

"The RHA's weekly fuel survey shows that costs for a heavy goods vehicle have risen by GBP2,700 a year in just six weeks! Hauliers have no choice but to recover these increases through higher haulage rates. We know that other costs are rising sharply but today's cuts will bring some relief to hauliers AND their customers."

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http://www.rha.uk.net