The rising price of oil on the world market during the last two years has meant that we have all suffered. Very bad news for car drivers commuting to work, doing the shopping or getting about. But dire for operators of lorries and vans who need to move their goods as part of their business. And worst of all for hauliers, whose entire business is to move other people's goods. Fuel now represents almost 40% of their total operating costs. Bulk diesel prices have risen from 76p per litre last May up to 106p per litre today – a 40% increase in just 12 months.

Diesel is the lifeblood of the economy. If you've got it then it has almost certainly been inside the back of a lorry. Everything in the supermarkets, everything in the high street, the bricks that build our homes and the beer that stocks our pubs. You name it and it's the product of a lorry journey. You may not like the lorry, but it's the lorry that delivers everything you need.

Sadly, the problems caused by a rising world price for oil are compounded in the UK by our ultra-high tax regime. Duty on diesel is 50p per litre compared to a European average of 25p. A single 40-tonne lorry, doing around seven miles to the gallon, now faces an annual fuel bill of between £40,000 and £45,000. One vehicle, £45,000 per year for diesel, of which over £21,000 is tax.

The call for lower diesel duty is not just self interest by the transport industry. It is important for every one of us.

Tom Wilson

Manager - Northern Ireland

Freight Transport Association