We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
First of all, let me wish you a happy New Year! Over the next few weeks the resolutions will be flying around, some of which will be stuck to but most will slip by the wayside. For drivers, why not be good to the environment and your pockets in 2009 by putting some focus on driving more efficiently.
Last year it was difficult to manage volatile fuel costs with prices fluctuating on a regular basis. The middle of the year was tough as forecourt prices rocketed increasing the cost of a whole host of consumable goods.
With life becoming more difficult for drivers HM Revenue and Customs took the step of increasing advisory fuel rates by up to 3p per mile. They even waived the usual one month's notice so that firms could apply the new rates immediately.
However toward the end of the year the picture was a very different one as the cost of petrol and diesel at the pumps fell significantly. Behind this fall in pump prices was the dramatic drop in the price of crude oil, which by December had fallen by over $100 per barrel from the record highs in July. Drivers also benefitted from the supermarkets engaging in price wars on a national scale, so for those willing to shop around, savings were there to be made.
While we have seen a recent fall in fuel prices there is no room for complacency, especially following the increase in fuel duty which came as a blow to drivers in the Chancellor's pre-budget report. From December drivers were hit by a 2p per litre increase in duty and will be targeted again by increases of 1.84p per litre from 1 April 2009 and 0.5p per litre above indexation from April 2010.
While 2009 may not be a volatile as 2008 its important to remember that prices are still high compared to an average over the past three years so it is crucial that drivers don't lose sight of the savings that can be made. Falling fuel prices should not provide an excuse to drive too fast or too aggressively. Defensive driving techniques, journey planning and car sharing are as important in 2009 as they have ever been in reducing consumption and cutting costs.
The UK still has the eighth highest unleaded price in the Eurozone and the second highest diesel price, much of which is down to the government's fuel taxation policy. So in tough times you need to save wherever you can, and fuel is a great starting point.
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
