The Chancellor’s 5p cut to fuel duty announced in the Spring Statement – only the second cut in fuel duty for 20 years – will offer fleets some breathing space on escalating fuel costs.
Motoring organisation the RAC says it will reduce the average car fill up by some £3. For a sub-10 van fleet, meanwhile, the savings are likely to be between £500-£600.
The Chancellor has said the cut, which commences at 1800 today (23 March 2022), will last until April 2023.
Mike Manners, Managing Director of CBVC Vehicle Management, commented:
The pressure on fleet fuel costs has been enormous recently thanks to the volatility in oil prices. Fleets will need to make sure the fuel management policies are really working in order to contain expenditure as much as possible. This includes effective vehicle maintenance, alternative travelling options ranging from rail to video conferencing, a memorandum on all travel where practicable and fuel cards offering discounted fuel.
But the inescapable conclusion is that fleets must electrify. And electrify soon. While I do understand that vehicle availability is an issue, some brands do have stock that we can access. And for commercial vehicle fleets, there’s never been a stronger moment to decarbonise by opting for eLCVs and making the most of the recently extended Plug-In Van Grant.
In the meantime CBVC advises fleets to remind drivers of fuel saving driving tips such as:
- Reducing motorway speed to between 55-60mph
- Take off excess top boxes that increase drag and drain fuel economy and for van drivers to carry only those tools required
- Drive smoothly and avoid harsh braking
- Don’t leave the engine idling
- Use supermarket fuel filling stations for the cheapest fuel – or approved fuel card provider suppliers
- Check tyre pressures for correct inflation
- Try and combine journeys if your diary allows it – a warm engine is more efficient
- If safe to do so depending on journey, only fill up with half a tank to reduce vehicle weight
If your fleet would like to know more about effective fuel management, then talk to us on 01283 351200.
