THE rising cost of oil is hitting everybody around the world, whether or not they use a vehicle.

Those who work in the transport business may feel particularly badly mauled, since they experience the impact directly, at the petrol pump.

But the repercussions in areas such as food prices and home heating, affect everyone.

The fare-rise bid by Southend taxis drivers, on the grounds they are a special case, is therefore dubious.

Fuel price rises may well have made a dent in their profits, but similar financial pain is being felt across the community.

Southend Council, which has played hardball in the past over fare rises, should resist this bid, not least because any increase will help fuel inflation levels, and help to create a vicious spiral of further rising prices.

If they do choose to concede, they must ensure that the rise is clawed back when fuel prices drop.

That day will come much sooner if the public and politicians turn their firepower on those who are profiteering from high prices, starting with the major oil companies - and the Government.