IN A MATTER of just a few weeks we could all be facing an extra 1p a litre rise in petrol.

The fuel duty rise announced by the last government would push already high petrol prices above the £1.30 a litre mark we are already seeing thanks to high oil prices and the introduction of the 20 per cent VAT rate.

The clamour for the planned increase to be scrapped is now growing daily.

So it was encouraging to hear Chancellor George Osborne say he is considering such a move. Of course this does not mean it is a given.

But it would be a move which would be welcomed by business and the public alike.

And would at least show that the government is listening.