'Here we go again': Businesses grapple with fuel costs

Business owners on Teesside have described how they are grappling with the rising cost of fuel amid the Iran war.

Jacob Francis, from Cleveland Tree Services, said he paid about £95 to fill up his small van at the weekend, which had previously cost him £60.

"It's been immense," he said. "You're on the road all the time with our job, you use far too much fuel anyway, [it] just doesn't help."

Elsewhere, Hartlepool driving instructor Steve Howe said the future sustainability of his type of business was "a deep concern" for the sector, which was also hit by the pandemic.

"Here we go again," he said.

"Unfortunately, it will get to the point where any business which relies on a vehicle, where there is a larger price increase, eventually we will have to pass that on."

'Weather the storm'

Francis's equipment needs petrol and he said it costs him £80 more to fill everything up, including vehicles.

He said getting jobs nearby could help save cash and worried putting up prices would drive clients away.

"It's just something we're going to have to absorb and try and work through," he said.

"If you get jobs near each other, try and do them all on the same day so you're not driving about."

Steve Howe is smiling in the camera while seating in a car with his seat belt on. He has short white hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a blue shirt with a print of tiny white flowers. — Steve Howe says businesses may have to put up prices as a result of rising fuel costs [Supplied]

Howe, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, said "you tend to weather the storm".

He urged people to make sure their car maintenance was up to date to help save fuel, and look into car sharing and use public transport or walk where possible.

The RAC has said the cost of diesel has risen to £1.82 per litre on average - the highest level since 2022, with petrol now averaging at £1.52 litre.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to promise any immediate support for drivers, emphasising the need to keep the public finances under control.

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