Fixed-price fuel for smaller fleets

Specialist oil trading company Portland has vowed to bring fixed-price fuel to smaller fleets with the introduction of a new fuel card.

Unlike most fuel cards, which just improve cost administration, Portland’s card fixes prices for diesel anywhere in the UK. The price is based on the first week’s average fuel price and remains fixed for a pre-arranged period up to 52 weeks long.

There is no limit on the number of vehicles covered and there is the option to fix prices for any period of time between one and 52 weeks.

James Spencer, managing director of Portland commented: “For many of our customers, fuel is the single biggest cost to their business.  Prices at the pump have increased by 50% in the last five years and while the government is making some efforts to slow this trend down it’s unlikely it will ever be reversed.  This not only puts pressure on operating budgets, but also makes accurately quoting for future work problematic.”

Fleet managers receive a weekly itemised fuel bill and the facility to access real-time account data online and the cards are valid at 1,500 sites across the UK, including all branches of Morrisons and Tesco.

Mr Spencer concluded: “Being able to fix costs on fuel brings peace of mind to management, while staff can enjoy the benefits of a fuel card without having to worry about getting the best price when out on the road.”