She was equally dismissive of suggestions that fuel tax credits would adequately offset the higher costs imposed on operators. The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) also warned that the end of fuel price relief will increase pressure on regional businesses, with many operators under significant financial pressure. “Rural carriers are therefore vulnerable to fuel prices shocks and we are about to see fuel price relief come to an end, in addition to a suite of big changes to the rules governing our industry. We call for the government to extend relief measures, to ease the significant diesel price pressures from volatility in the fuel market. “Diesel price relief ending and all these regulatory changes are a double blow, placing greater pressure on an industry already under strain,” Lewis said.