The Federation of Small Businesses today backs The Sun’s Stand By Our Vans campaign to keep fuel duty down

THE Federation of Small Businesses today backs The Sun’s Stand By Our Vans campaign to keep fuel duty down.

The temporary 5p cut to the levy introduced earlier this year will expire next April when the tax is set to rise in line with inflation.

The 150,000-strong FSB group said: “Whacking the country’s grafters with yet more tax on fuel would be a kick in the bonnet for those who rely on vans, cars or lorries to run their business.”

Chair said: “These are strivers trying to pay bills.”

Diesel has hit a new high compared to petrol.

Figures show the average price for a litre is 188.9p — 24.5p higher than petrol at 164.4p.

The RAC Foundation’s Steve Gooding said: “The situation for diesel drivers is grim.

"In fact, it could deteriorate."