Soaring fuel costs force tough choices for South East businesses

In East Sussex, Guy Cordery, a partner at Cordery Coaches, said since February it had cost them an extra £300 to fill up a coach. "We do our best to cushion the impact for passengers, but with increases of this scale, we have little choice but to raise prices," he said, adding that the biggest concern was that people might stop booking. He said many of the firm's customers were retired and living on fixed incomes, so were particularly affected by rising costs. However, he added: "We are fortunate to have a loyal customer base, and the future of the company is as secure as it can be under the circumstances." Duncan Saunders, who runs BR Saunders, based in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey, said the company has had to spend an extra £170 a day to fill up its vehicles. "We've been absorbing the extra costs for months, but it will eventually need to be passed on to customers," he added. Saunders said the business's operational plans had also been affected. "Because there's so much uncertainty, we've paused investment into our fleet," he said. "These are worrying times, soaring petrol prices don't just affect businesses, it also impacts the economy and livelihoods." The soaring diesel prices have not just affected businesses, but those who rely on it regularly. Rocky Alan, a biker from Hastings in East Sussex, said: "Life is getting harder for everyone and people are looking for ways to save money." Alan said she had been riding her 125cc bike more regularly as it was more economical, costing £6 to fill up. When asked whether rising fuel prices would make her give up biking, she replied: "Bikers would always find a way to keep doing it, even if that meant making a few adjustments." Gordon Balmer, executive director of Petrol Retailers' Association, said: "Record diesel prices are hitting motorists, businesses and retailers alike. "Drivers are cutting back on fuel purchases, businesses are facing higher costs, and retailers have reduced diesel margins by 21% since July to help soften the impact." It said it was urging the government to abandon plans to raise fuel duty next year. A spokesperson for HM Treasury said: "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 government will not be increasing fuel duty this year, extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until 31 December." Follow BBC Kent on Facebook , external , X , external , and on Instagram , external and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds . Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.