Prices up on bulk dine
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• Bulk diesel buyers are having to pay more for their fuel following the latest round of price increases from the oil companies. One of the first to break ranks was Shell, which increased its bulk prices by 1.1p/lit on 15 July. Esso was next with a 1.25p/lit rise on 16 July, followed by Texaco (1.1p/ lit) on 17 July, Conoco (1.1p/lit) on 18 July and BP (1.1p/fit) on 20 July.
Forecourt prices, however, appear to be as varied as ever, with many filling stations making no change to their retail prices. So far this year the price of bulk diesel has risen by some 8%.
According to BP the increase is to keep the company in line with other rises in the oil market, including the price of crude oil.
The FTA, however, says that throughout the year it has been the policy of many oil companies to quote low prices to secure new contract business, and then increase their schedule prices to recoup initial losses. The FTA claims that this has become standard practice "and while it continues prices will fluctuate dramatically", it warns.
While the association says it still pays to buy in bulk, it advises operators to shop around for the best deals. The FTA claims that each lp increase in dery costs the road haulage industry 215 million.