In recent weeks, due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, fuel prices have been rising at an alarming rate. But what can businesses and people do to counteract these additional costs?
What Can Businesses Do?
There are several steps businesses can take to mitigate these additional costs. Let’s have a closer look at them:
Consider Switching to a Fuel Card
A fuel card can help businesses manage their weekly fuel spend. With us, you will have fixed weekly pricing, so you know the price in advance and can avoid pump price fluctuations. In addition to knowing what you will spend each week, there are additional benefits, such as improved cash flow, where your drivers do not have to submit receipts and wait for payouts.
If you are an individual and not a business, you should consider using an app such as PetrolPrices.com or Fuel Finder, which can provide diesel and petrol prices in your area, such as your home or workplace. It may pay to shop around!
Using Telematics to Save Fuel
Telematics can be essential for many businesses. By tracking drivers’ behaviour, telematics can help improve driving habits, such as harsh braking and acceleration, thereby lowering fuel costs. Telematics can also help optimise routes, saving drivers time and fuel.
Governments Action
Recently, the government announced a crackdown on fuel courts and has said it will not tolerate profiteering from the current issues in the Middle East. In addition, the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) is reminding all major fuel retailers to sign up and report on their own fuel prices. This allows customers to find the best deal near them.
Our Top 5 Ways to save Fuel
1. Reduce Your Speed
Reducing your top speed to 50mph instead of 70mph can improve your fuel economy by around 20%, according to the government website.
2. Remove Additional Weight from your Vehicle
Is your boot full of work tools you don’t use or even stuff from the kids’ hobbies? Removing any unnecessary items from your car reduces drag and weight. If you have a removable roof box that’s rarely used, remove that too!
3. Do you Have to do This Journey?
We often use our vehicles for short journeys. Consider other options such as walking or using public transport. For work travel, could you even car-share or work from home?
4. Use Fewer Electronics on the Vehicle
Try to avoid using the air conditioning. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% in stop-start traffic. Try using flow-through ventilation instead. This will save you from needing the air con on or even having the windows open, causing you to use more fuel.
5. Consider Vehicle Maintenance
Simple tasks like regularly checking your tyres and pressures can aid fuel efficiency. Ensure your vehicle is booked in for its scheduled maintenance, as this helps keep the engine and other components in good condition.
Closing Thoughts
While fuel prices continue to rise, the article outlines small steps that can help drivers and businesses reduce costs. We don’t know how long prices will remain high, but at Cambrian Fuelcard Services Ltd, we can offer you fuel cards to suit your business needs with fixed weekly pricing.
To apply for a fuel card with us today, click here.
To find out more about our range of fuel cards, click here.
Click here to learn more about Cambrian Fuelcard Services.
