Ireland's diesel rebate could help to lower UK's fuel price
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By Chris Druce FAIRFUELUK (FFUK) founder Peter Carroll said Ireland's decision to recognise the economic importance of road freight with a diesel rebate for hauliers is a "very positive" development in the fight for cheaper fuel in the UK.
While full details of the scheme are yet to be finalised, the Irish government has made clear its intention to offer a rebate of 7.5 cents per litre to tax-compliant, licensed operators from 1 July 2013. Carroll said that while 1,I-UK would continue to fight for a blanket reduction in fuel duty, Ireland's rebate coming on the heels of a fuel price cut in France, would only put more pressure on the UK government to cut duty and boost the economy.
"It's very interesting and demonstrates the progressive action governments around Europe are taking [on fuel duty]," Carroll told CM "We've managed to stop the pain getting worse. Our goal remains to make things better."
In December, after lobbying from FairFuelUK, the chancellor revealed that he would be freezing the fuel duty increases due this month and in April, buying operators an effective stay of execution until at least September.
FFUK and its backers were due to hold a meeting to discuss their strategy for 2013 as CIVI went to press, as they look to drive home their argument that a 3ppl cut in fuel duty would create about 70,000 jobs and provide a 0.2% GDP boost.