Fuel prices at record level
According to the AA, UK fuel prices are currently at an all time high. The December AA Fuel Price Report showed that unleaded prices climbed past the May record to 122.1 pence per litre. Diesel prices also rose to 126.2 pence per litre. This left the UK with the 10th highest price for unleaded petrol in Europe and the 2nd highest price for diesel.
This reflects a pound under pressure, tax increases and oil prices at $91 per barrel. A high demand from China and energy demand in the West that outstripped predictions has combined to push the price of oil through the roof. While international pressure caused OPEC, the largest international association of oil producers to increase production in 2008, when oil prices reached $147 a barrel, the slump to $40 a barrel that followed has made the member-states more wary of such actions.
Foreign hauliers who drive on cheaper fuel bought on the continent bring an added pressure to UK transporters, making fuel use minimization and fuel saving devices a necessary cost of doing business. The transport industry is not complacent about these issues. The Freight Transport Association and other groups are considering direct action and demonstration to force the government to institute a halt in petrol duty. Fuel costs already average approximately 30 percent of operating costs in the transport industry. The rising price of fuel is already having an impact, with seven firms going into receivership in just the last month, according to roadtransport.com
In order to remain competitive and keep prices low, the number one priority of the transport industry should be to minimise the use of fuel. Of course, those in the transport industry already carefully plan their routes so as to maximise efficiency, so it may seem as if there is little to be done. However, this is not the case. Driving style, type of vehicle and mileage can all affect fuel usage and hence fuel costs.
Fuel saving devices are readily available that can make drivers aware of driving styles that waste fuel. Making drivers aware of such actions as speeding, harsh braking, excessive idling, excessive throttle use, harsh accelerating and over revving modifies behavior, reducing emissions, increasing safety, and saving fuel. They also allow real-time analysis of driver behavior so that poorly performing drivers can be re-educated, saving up to 20 percent of fuel costs.
To find out how SupaTrak can help your business save fuel and train drivers, contact us by email or on 0844 477 4870
