Latest Fuel News

The supply of crude oil is rapidly becoming exhausted; scientists are researching closely into alternative fuels including vegetable oil, hydrogen and Ethanol, in a hope to discover a viable alternative to diesel and petrol.

With so many experiments being carried out there are struggles to find additional alternative fuels. One company has been reported to be examining conventional diesel to create a greener alternative.

The new fuel blends diesel with droplets of water, it is thought that this creates a fuel that has the capability to greatly reduce harmful particles emitted by up to fifty percent.

For numerous years we have been told about the adverse health effects caused by air pollution- a large percentage of which is derived from diesel, this new diesel based fuel could be the answer to lessen air pollution.

The benefit of this new fuel is that it is reported to significantly lower emissions and radically impact air quality. Information about the fuel states that essentially the water particles mix better with air; nitrous oxide the gas that causes soot to be emitted is lowered, resulting in the harmful particles and soot levels to lower.

We have all experienced the fluctuations of petrol and diesel prices during the past years and in particular in recent months perhaps more than ever. Fuel price instability stems from the cost, supply and demand of crude oil. Oil prices impact petrol and diesel prices because; petrol and diesel are essentially refined crude oil.

Oil prices are a huge influence on the world’s economic health. With the demand for oil increasing along with price, this could have a grave impact on the growth the UK economy.

Oil price fundamentally impacts the UK economy because it is sold in dollars. Therefore when the pound is weak against the dollar it is more expensive to purchase oil. This elevated price then has a knock on effect on the UK economy.

When the price of petrol and diesel raises almost every consumer and business will feel the pinch. For many businesses such as hauliers the only option is to pass this cost onto the consumer. This can result in price of food and other consumer goods increasing.

The finite nature of oil also causes prices to fluctuate; supply restrictions are protect this irreplaceable resource during times of high demand.

There is no definitive answer as to what will happen in the foreseeable future. Experts have forecasted that demand for oil is likely to increase more than ever before, and give a clear warning that the day of cheap oil is over.

Oil production has already peaked in non-OPEC countries; therefore as demand increases, supply is restricted and subsequently oil will be become more expensive, more oil sources will have to be found to keep in line with the level of demand.

If you are worried about increasing fuel prices and want to get more control over the running cost of your fleet, why not gives us a call? 0845 450 5755

No matter the size of your fleet, whether you run diesel, petrol or want European coverage, we can find a fuel card to meet your needs and offer extremely competitive prices and fantastic site coverage.

At the start of August reports were publish to warn consumers of the potential fuel price increases. New reports confirm this speculation; the Retail Motor Industry Independent Petrol Retailers Association is reported to have said that before the end of August prices could rise by 3% and by January 2011 up to 8%.

 Industry experts are giving increased warnings to business fleets of the colossal rise in fuel prices. Fuel prices are forecasted to reach a national average of £1.20 per litre within the forth coming days. 

World fuel prices are climbing due to world oil price fluctuations and changing UK government policies such as, increasing fuel duty and the 2.5% increase in VAT as of January 2011 making a VAT rate of 20%.

Business can claim this VAT back; however, it is thought this increase could still lead to financial strain. Many businesses fear that during these difficult times a hike on fuel prices could be the end for those struggling through.

If you are worried about fuel prices and want to gain better control over your fuel costs; petrol, diesel or European requirements, we can supply you with a fuel card that meets your fleets’ needs. With a fuel card you will be able to make financial savings and benefit from the best possible rates.

If you want to find out more about our fuel cards or would like some advice about fuel card options, why not give us a call?

0845 450 5755

UK fuel prices make a regular feature in the news; however, we are not the only country with this concern. Argentina is also battling against rising fuel costs.  

Since the start of the year petrol and diesel prices in Argentina have increased by a colossal 30 percent. The Argentinean government has ordered fuel companies to lower fuel prices so they are the same as they were during July.

Reports suggest that government officials are extremely concerned with the level of inflation and therefore have considered reintroducing laws of supply used during the 1970s; enabling the government to set maximum fuel prices and penalize companies that refuse to lower their fuel prices.  

Controversy comes as some reports suggest that the Argentinean government is trying to put the majority of blame with fuel giant Shell, however, Shell have yet to comment on the case.

One of the world’s largest fuel providers Shell has recently spoken out about the increasing amount of sabotage to their oil pipelines located in Southern Nigeria.

The report states that Shell confirmed on three separate occasions already this month, the pipes had been targeted despite last year’s militant amnesty.

This key threat for Shell derives from local fuel thieves tagged ‘Bunkerers’. These fuel thieves use tools such as saws and drills to make small holes into the pipes; this enables them to collect the escaping oil to sell.

Not only is this terrible for Shell the environment also suffers; the escaping oil often leaks onto surrounding land. Local communities are also victims from this crime, it is reported locals have spent decades suffering from the consequences of oil spills and pollution to their local environment.

Shell has confirmed they are cleaning the surrounding areas and paying compensation because of the spills.

The latest investigation being carried out in Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University is researching into using distilled whisky as a biofuel for vehicles.

Copious litres of whisky are produced in Scotland every year leaving a mass of bi-products. The fuel created from the bi-products, combine cooper stills and the remaining grains to create a fuel known as ‘butanol’, capable of fuelling vehicles.

The new fuel has the capability to become part of the conventional whisky producing process, and is considered by many as a more environmentally friendly method than planting crops especially to produce biofuels.

The research has progressed well and scientists have applied for a patent for the fuel. There are plans to take it to market to make it available in all UK service stations.

Reports state that unlike many biofuels currently on the market and in stages of investigation, the whisky fuel can be put into a normal car engine without making any adaptations.

Not only is this fuel thought to be good for the environment, this could be an exciting opportunity for the Scottish economy as whisky production is one of the largest industries for Scotland.

Future plans for the fuel include using it to power aeroplanes!

Reports state that European inflation has increased primarily due to high fuel prices, during July 2010 inflation grew to 1.7% a twenty month high for Europe.

The European Central Bank aim to keep inflation below 2% and for this reason the figure of 1.7%, is thought not to be a setback and meets expectations.

The fuel prices are not the only cause of this inflation, a sudden growth in the German economy, and the fact that some European countries such as Spain have increased their VAT rate, have also had an impact on the European inflation rate.

Worries from the UK are still expressed as there are still few signs that UK demand is increasing.

Rising fuel costs are impacting us all, and with the forecasts for January 2011 prices predicted to near a ground breaking 130p per litre, combined with rising fuel duty and VAT, many experts feel anxious this could be the breaking point for many businesses struggling through the recession.  

With this in mind ‘The Independent Petrol Retailers Association’ has taken steps to urge the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and other important government figures, to keep pre-election promises surrounding UK fuel prices.

The letter is reported to state that months have gone by since the emergency budget with no action taken to ease UK fuel prices.

It is thought the letter urged David Cameron to create a specialist department to address the problem of fuel prices, suggesting that if this issue is not address it may impact economic growth.

Speed cameras have been at the heart of our news stories for a number of weeks now; it seems the speed camera has become the centre of much speculation and heated debate. After last week’s headlines regarding the ‘turning off’ of many UK cameras, headlines suggest this may not be the case anymore.

News articles published today signal that many speed cameras may not be axed, and instead selected cameras could be outsourced to private companies.

It is thought outsourcing the issuing of tickets and gathering of fines, could minimise the administration procedures for both the magistrate court and police force.

Fears are sparked from the suggestion that the entire speed camera network could be privately outsourced.

It seems the key concern is that speed cameras are emplace to protect road users, where as private companies’ trade to generate money. By combining the two, campaigners feel that speed cameras will turn into a money making scheme for private companies, rather than protecting the road users.

Some experts suggest that the easiest way to avoid this is to reduce the number of speed cameras within a certain radius; this would reduce the administration process and therefore could remain in-house.

More controversy surrounding fuel prices comes today as reports advise motorists that the UK Chancellor, George Osborne, is likely to announce that he will not standby his promise to stabilise the UK fuel prices, angering both businesses and motorists.

For businesses there are numerous reasons as to why a fuel card may help ease this situation. Fuel cards are similar in appearance to a credit or debit card, embossed details can be found on the front and a signature strip located on the back of the card. The actual branding of the card will be dependent on the type of fuel card you use.

Most our fuel cards can save you money on the price of fuel, compared to the average pump price, as we enable you to buy your fuel at commercial rates. We can also offer you some unique and exclusive price guarantees!

If you want to find out more why not give us a call: 08454505755, our team can help advise you on the best fuel card for your business.