The FairFuelUK campaign has the backing of both the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and is being co-ordinated by Peter Carroll.

With the Office for Budgetary Responsibility yet to announce its forecast for inflation, it looks as though the cost of fuel is going to rise by between three and five pence per litre on 1 April, leaving industry picking up the tab for a minimum of £375 million this year (based on a 3ppl rise). For a vehicle operator with a fleet of ten heavy goods vehicles this will mean having to find another £14,000.

James Hookham, FTA's managing director of policy, said: "The Fair Fuel UK campaign has clearly struck a chord with the national mood - the petition went from nought to 100 signatures in the first 60 seconds that the campaign was officially launched. Rocketing fuel prices have such a huge impact on businesses and motorists, but it is within the government's gift to loosen the noose from around road users' necks and give us all some breathing space.”

"We have got off to a flying start but we still need much more support."

Geoff Dunning, RHA chief executive also commented: "Not only is the planned duty increase itself above inflation, the massive increase in the price of fuel that we have seen recently adds even more to the inflation figures published today. The government must realise that yet more increases in the price of fuel will seriously threaten the recovery of the economy."