BUSINESSES will pay a high price if the Chancellor Gordon Brown sticks to the 2p a litre on fuel duty according to the North Kent Chamber of Commerce president.

Jeff Brown said that although the current costs of fuel were challenging it was not a crisis point yet.

Mr Brown explained the rise could have an effect on Kent's growing businesses.

He said: "The situation is challenging the imagination and resolve of members, commercial companies with an eye on the bottom line, are attempting to pay for costs but this cuts into the profit margins."

Mr Brown added it was stability and certainty that was needed to prevent spiralling costs and a collapse in business confidence.