Business executives are warning that mounting fuel prices could drive firms into bankruptcy.

More than 470 companies have co-signed a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for relief on fuel taxation.

The communication urges ministers to abandon the fuel duty hikes due in September 2026 and explains how steep fuel prices feed into inflation affecting the entire economic system.

It says the signatories speak for HGV, coach and van operators alongside all other road users and the British economy, pleading for an end to the scheduled fuel duty rises starting in autumn 2026.

Increasing fuel expenses mean higher costs for everyday shoppers and push businesses and employers towards financial ruin.

RHA managing director Richard Smith stated the Chancellor must step in without delay.

Commercial vehicles handle roughly 80 percent of British goods while contributing over a third of fuel duty revenues.

Yet these operators suffer the harshest consequences from climbing fuel expenditure.

These rises fuel inflation, escalating prices for products spanning food to construction materials.

This is why the association is pressing the Government to abolish the planned fuel duty rises and create an essential user rebate for haulage, coach and van operators to keep things affordable.

Other nations already extend this type of backing to their transport sectors.

Britain should now do the same.

The RHA is additionally pushing for fair 30-day payment terms to help with working capital throughout the industry.

They’ve proposed introducing an Essential User Rebate, mirroring schemes operating in Spain, France and Italy, to protect vital supply chains.

The RHA points to current initiatives including the Bus Service Operators Grant and the Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme as evidence that targeted support is both feasible and effective.