Motorist organisations and hauliers last night attacked the Governments introduction of a 2p rise in fuel duty. The lastest rise will be seen from today at the pumps, where the average price of a litre of unleaded will be £1.05. This is the third rise since December 2008. In the budget speech Darling said the measures were essential as part of package of tax increases "to secure Britain's economic future".  

The supermarket Morrisons said it was temporarily freezing the price of fuel - absorbing the effect of the rise in duty that other retailers are passing on to their customers. Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco refused to follow suit - claiming the move was a stunt.