Rising fuel costs: Fend off the spend

Rising diesel prices are squeezing van operators across trade, delivery and service sectors, adding significant pressure to already tight margins. With fuel costs unlikely to ease soon, improving driving efficiency and fleet operations can help businesses reduce costs and build long-term resilience. Bira partner AA explains...

Rising diesel prices are putting real pressure on van operators across businesses - especially in trade, delivery and service sectors where margins are already tight. 

With diesel now around 50p per litre higher than a year ago, filling a typical 80-litre van tank costs about £151 – roughly £40 more than this time last year.

This isn’t just a driver issue – it’s a business cost challenge. But there are ways to ease the impact for members while building longer-term resilience.

The current cost pressures are unlikely to ease quickly, but they do highlight an opportunity. By embedding more efficient driving and operational habits now, buying groups can help members build stronger, more cost-effective fleets for the long term.

Focus on what’s in your control 

The most immediate opportunities sit in areas drivers and businesses can control - driving behaviour, vehicle use and smarter purchasing. Small changes, applied consistently across a fleet or membership base, can deliver meaningful savings over time. Sharing best practice, promoting consistent driver standards and encouraging simple efficiency checks can deliver business-wide savings.

For businesses with younger drivers coming into the workforce, this is also a chance to set the tone early – creating a culture of awareness, control and smart decision-making behind the wheel.

Foster effective driving habits

Driving style alone has a major impact. Harsh acceleration, late braking and higher speeds quickly push up fuel use, while smoother, more controlled driving helps every litre go further. For businesses with younger or less experienced drivers in the workforce, this is a key area to focus on. Supporting them to build efficient habits early not only cuts costs but also improves safety and reduces wear and tear.

Manage vehicle load 

There’s also a clear operational win in managing vehicle load. Many vans carry tools and equipment that aren’t needed for every job, adding unnecessary weight and steadily reducing fuel economy. Business-wide, encouraging regular vehicle checks and smarter load management can unlock quick gains.

Adopt, or enhance, eco-driving practices

Eco-driving focuses on techniques that reduce fuel consumption and minimise environmental impact. Avoiding harsh acceleration and sudden braking can help to improve fuel efficiency, while shifting gears at the right time can maintain engine efficiency.

Driving at steady speeds, particularly within the optimal fuel efficiency range, can save money too. Drivetech’s extremely popular Real World In-Vehicle course equips drivers with the skills to adopt these habits as part of their day-to-day driving for work.

Smarter buying behaviour

There’s also an opportunity to reinforce smarter buying behaviour. Fuel price differences between forecourts can still be significant, and for drivers filling larger tanks regularly, shopping around makes a noticeable difference. Encouraging the use of fuel price apps – including The AA App – can help members avoid overpaying.

Simple efficiency habits add up

When costs rise, control becomes more valuable. The following efficiency tips can help cut costs:

• Combine journeys to reduce unnecessary mileage
• Plan routes to avoid congestion and delays
• Remove excess weight from vans
• Maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive driving
• Anticipate traffic to reduce braking and acceleration
• Check tyre pressures regularly
• Use air conditioning sparingly
• Compare fuel prices before filling up