A proposed 23 per cent increase in fuel duty would be a body blow for the logistics industry, according to the business group which represents the sector.

Logistics UK says the increase, which equates to an additional 12p per litre of petrol or diesel at the pumps, was 'hidden' in the content of yesterday's Office of Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) Report on Fiscal Responsibility.

David Wells OBE, chief executive of Logistics UK, which represents 20,000 members from all sectors of the industry, is alarmed that a proposal of such significance was not discussed in the Chancellor's fiscal statement made in the House of Commons earlier, and is concerned about the potential impact of its introduction:

He said: "Logistics is at the heart of all economic activity in this country and relies on fuel to facilitate its work, whatever the mode of transport used.

"Bulk diesel prices have increased by 30 per cent since January. With businesses already under financial pressure, and operating on very narrow margins, a duty hike of this magnitude would have significant impacts, for operating costs and, ultimately, on inflation.

"Although outlined in the Spring financial statement, the fact that the detail of this policy was hidden in the body of the OBR Report and not announced by the Chancellor in the House earlier indicates that the government was hoping to avoid scrutiny on the topic.

"We are seeking urgent clarification as to whether the duty rise will be implemented as planned, as a rise of this magnitude would have a detrimental effect on the UK's economy, stifling activity and placing unnecessary pressure on a sector deemed 'essential' only a year ago."

The proposed rise in fuel duty would equate to an additional £4,850 for the cost of running a 44t truck, according to Logistics UK's calculations, bringing fuel duty costs to a total of £26,246 per vehicle, before the cost of fuel itself.

Logistics UK estimates that a small haulage firm with seven HGVs (98 per cent of logistics businesses are SMEs) would have £34,000 pa added to annual operating costs if the duty rise were to be introduced after March 2023.

Punchline says: "This is a tax on everybody. We aren't talking about 1p or 2p, we're talking about 12p a litre. The ramifications for the economy and the haulage industry are massive. Inflation is going to go through the roof. Talk about pouring petrol on the fire."