Fuel duty has been frozen since 2022 and the government extended a temporary 5p cut earlier this year, but there is speculation over whether the freeze will continue beyond the end of 2026.
For businesses that rely heavily on transport, fuel remains one of their largest expenses.
Joe Phillips, who runs Worcester-based AJ’s Removals and operates across the UK, said diesel costs continued to affect the company’s finances.
“We’ve been as far north as Fort William and Inverness, and down to Land’s End,” he said.
“We can’t switch to electric vehicles, so we’re basically stuck with diesel.
“We could do with some help from the government. They need to look at small businesses and think, ‘What could we do to make sure these businesses keep going?'”
A Treasury spokesperson said the government was “on the side of business”.
They pointed to a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues, plans to cap corporation tax and measures designed to reduce bureaucracy.
“As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals,” the spokesperson said.
