Fuel duty cancellation gives some respite to independents, says Christie & Co

News that the Chancellor George Osborne has deferred the planned August increase in fuel duty is welcome news for consumers and forecourt operators alike, says retail business adviser Christie & Co.

Steve Rodell, director and head of retail for Christie & Co, said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement which will be received with a sigh of relief by forecourt operators. It is especially good news for the independent operators, for whom this will offer some, albeit temporary, respite.

“Great credit should be given to the RMI, especially its chairman Brian Madderson, whose efforts to halt fuel duty increases have been, on this occasion, rewarded.

“However, we note that the Chancellor has only ‘deferred’ the duty increase so it will be up to RMI members and the industry to continue to lobby against this business-threatening government imposition.”