FUEL COST CRISIS *- Australia - Trucking industry on verge of collapse

Diesel prices force between four and five of the state's 5000 trucking operators out of business every week

Adelaide,SA,Australia -The Adelaide Now -9 July 2008: -- The trucking industry will hold an emergency meeting with the State Government today to warn it is on the verge of collapse.. The SA Road Transport Association has called for urgent help as diesel prices force between four and five of the state's 5000 trucking operators out of business every week... The association wants State Government and business help to share the burden of a 100 per cent increase in diesel costs since 2005 by accepting a price rise to move products... Executive director Steve Shearer said the transport industry's appeal was directed to South Australian business customers because there were limits to what state and federal governments could do, even with cuts to fuel tax... (Picture from Kuchel Contractors: Barossa Valley in South Australia)