Bulk fuel suppliers increase prices...
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• by Melanie Hammond Hauliers looked on in disbelief last week as bulk fuel suppliers hiked up their prices in the midst of protests designed to bring prices down.
Marlow-based tipper operator Willy O'Haire is planning to change suppliers after he says British Benzol quoted him 80p/lit (ex-VAT} for his regular 10,000-litre order.
He reports that just three weeks ago he was paying 68p/lit and is furious that the latest quote is "way over the average pump price".
O'Haire adds: "I can't believe the fuel companies are doing this at such a sensitive time." Another British Benzol customer, Steve Kelly of High Wycombe-based SJK Transport, says he plans to "go elsewhere' for his fuel after he was quoted 93p/lit last week.
British Benzol refused to comment on the mice rises.
Cannock-based AID Fuels has also come under attack after it quoted a long-standing customer 75.5p/lit for 15,000 litres. Jahn Whitfield of Stokeon-Trent-based J Whitfield & Son says: "On 23 August I paid 68p/lit, now (on 14 September)
75.5p. Do they think we are bottomless pits? If this carries on, I'm sure the pickets will be out again."
Nobody was available for comment at AID Fuel Oils.
• Just before the dispute started, hau4ers in the NorthEast were saving money by switching from bunkered supplies to Tesco's ( 01414-20 Sept).