There has been a 1.5% year-on-year increase in retail and commercial road fuel volumes the first increase since 2008 according to the latest fuel statistics issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), driven mainly by record diesel volumes.

Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, commented: "Fuel retailers have confirmed that there has been a steady improvement in traffic flow and spend through the year, so we are not surprised by the increase.

"The rapid drop in pump prices, which has been embraced by independent forecourt operators, is good news for motorists and businesses. It is also good news for the Government who will benefit this calendar year by at least £400m from the extra fuel duty on the increased volumes."

Madderson continued: "If this Government really wants to support motorists and businesses, they could now afford to cut duty within the April 2015 Budget."