AA president Edmund King said the Chancellor had made a sensible decision in delaying the introduction of a 2p rise in fuel prices, "This temporary relief should quell any panic at the pumps," he said.
"Two pence might not sound like much but when it is added to the 20p-a-litre increase in pump prices in the last year it could have been the last straw for many motorists and hauliers.”
"If fuel prices remain at records levels in the autumn the increase should be scrapped."
British Chambers of Commerce director general David Frost said the government should have gone further and scrapped the planned rise completely.
"There is no justification for a 2p rise in October," said Mr Frost.
Frost said higher oil prices meant the government was already benefiting from increased duty receipts.
The RAC Foundation also welcomed the decision to delay the 2p fuel duty increase as "the only bright spot in a budget that seemingly does nothing positive for the motorist."
The cost of fuel has leapt 20% in the last 12 months as the global oil price rises to over $100 per barrel – and any increases in duty would disproportionately affect motorists on low incomes and those in rural areas who are dependent on their cars.
Sheila Rainger, Acting Director of the RAC Foundation believes the motorist should no longer be expected to top up the ‘public purse’ with taxes disguised as environmental considerations, now that the Stern Review has demonstrated that motorists are the only energy users meeting their carbon costs.
"There is no environmental case for higher taxes. Based on the Government’s own figures in the Stern Review, the full cost of the greenhouse gases produced by road transport amounts to no more than 14p per litre. Road users are the only energy users paying the full cost of their carbon emissions; unlike rail or air travellers."
The Foundation is disappointed there has been no provision for additional spending on improving the UK’s road network considering that both the budget and The Eddington Transport Study have recognised the importance of reducing congestion to develop and maintain the economy.