DEMANDS for the Government to be clearer about fuel prices and tax have been made by the Retail Motor Industry Federation as the furore over duty on petrol and diesel continues. With the political party conference season now in full swing, the three major parties have all made their positions clear.

And it is clear the row over fuel duties will be a key general election issue with political pundits expecting Britain to go to the polls again in May 2001. RMI president John Bond-Smith, said: 'I hope the Government has listened to the voice of the people. The public awareness of petrol price and tax has never been greater and the manifesto for each political party will have to include more clarity about their plans - if elected - because the next Government could see the price soar through the £1 a litre barrier.'

And in the run-up to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's annual Pre-Budget Report - now rumoured to be on October 31 - Bond-Smith said: 'We will present our views on the problems of high transport and fuel taxation.'