Tow‑Truck Firm Says £10,000 Hit from Rising Fuel Costs, Urges Duty Reduction

A UK‑based small tow‑truck company has cautioned that the latest rise in gasoline and diesel costs has increased its yearly outlay by about £10,000, a figure it claims endangers the sustainability of its business.

It places most of the added cost on the heightened fuel duty, estimating that a cut of 30‑50 pence per litre would be required to relieve the pressure. Absent that reduction, the firm warns it will find it difficult to keep service standards and could be compelled to increase charges for its clients.

Fuel duty – a levy levied on each litre of road fuel sold in Britain – is presently set at 57.95 pence per litre for petrol and 58.95 pence for diesel. While the charge is meant to finance road upkeep and reduce emissions, detractors claim it hits mileage‑intensive sectors like haulage, delivery and roadside assistance disproportionately.

The cost squeeze facing the tow‑truck firm reflects a wider pattern in transport, as wholesale fuel prices have surged markedly over the last year after global oil markets recovered and supply‑chain issues persisted. Numerous small enterprises now say fuel comprises a bigger portion of their operating expenses than it did pre‑pandemic.

Speaking to the BBC, the owner of the tow‑truck business urged a swift reassessment of the duty, proposing that a modest 30‑50 pence per litre cut would align fuel costs with pre‑spike figures and safeguard vital roadside assistance.

No government representative has replied to the particular appeal yet, though the topic is expected to surface in forthcoming consultations on transport taxes and environmental strategy. Experts note that any change to fuel duty must weigh revenue needs against the economic effect on mileage‑heavy firms, while staying consistent with the UK’s wider climate goals.