ESSEX firms are furious at being hit by rocketing fuel prices while oil companies’ profits continue to soar.

Energy giant Shell revealed quarterly profits surged by almost 50 per cent to £3.2billion yesterday, a day after rival BP announced its profits more than doubled in the same period.

Essex businesses relying on fuel want to see some of the profits passed on to customers in lower petrol pump prices.

Julie Hartigan, a Clacton driving instructor, said: “High fuel prices are almost putting firms out of business.

“We can’t put prices up for students, who are already struggling to pay for lessons. It really is crippling us.”

She says a quarter of the cost of a lesson now goes on petrol.

She said: “Most instructors have their cars on hire purchase. Then you’ve got insurance, which is high for learner drivers. By the time you have finished, you could work in McDonald’s for better money.”

Haulage boss Stuart Mitchell says he is also being hit in the pocket. His fleet of 37 trucks at Colchester-based Hamblion Transport fills up with 2,000 litres of diesel a day at its Hythe depot. Lorries have to top up again while delivering their cargo.

Mr Mitchell said: “Six months ago it was 20p a litre cheaper. It’s our biggest running cost, so it takes a huge chunk out of our profits.”

He says the main problem is the huge amount of fuel tax which goes into Government coffers – not greedy oil companies. He said: “If you do the maths, it still comes down to the fact we pay an extortionate amount of duty.

“It boils down to the Government and the duty it charges compared to everywhere else in Europe and almost the world.”