Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could be forced to part with an extra £4,000 a year if a planned 3p fuel duty rise in September 2013 is forced through.

According to Lex Autolease, a firm with a fleet of 20 vans will see its overheads rise by more than £300 a month if the tax hike is introduced.

This is the last thing that logistics companies need at the moment, as many are already struggling to remain in business due to the crippling costs they face.

More than 80 per cent of the UK's SMEs rely on vehicles for work purposes, which highlights just how many firms will be affected by chancellor George Osborne's Budget announcement tomorrow (March 20th).

Chris Chandler, principal consultant at Lex Autolease, said that while it is important to keep an eye on prices at the pump, companies must also take action to reduce their fuel consumption.

"Fleet operators must take proactive steps to ensure that drivers are given fuel efficient vehicles, are taught how to drive them efficiently, and plan their routes effectively," he remarked.