The Chancellor George Osborne told delegates at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester yesterday (September 30) that he intends to freeze fuel duty for the rest of the Parliament, up to May 2015, if the money could be found.

He revealed he aims to cancel the 2p-a-litre rise pencilled in by Labour for September 2014, continuing a freeze that has already lasted two-and-a-half years.

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) welcomed the announcement to freeze fuel duty until the next election.

Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “The PRA has been lobbying Government and the Treasury to make an early announcement about their intentions on freezing fuel duty, so it is welcoming news to hear the Chancellor’s commitment.

“It will be the longest period of duty freeze - 4 years, 4months - in over 40 years if the announcement goes ahead as planned.”