Recent events have highlighted how quickly fuel supply can tighten. When disruption hits, you'll make better decisions if you already understand where pressure will strike first. Whilst a controlled fuel supply scenario may be a last resort, you may want to take a proactive approach to managing this risk should it occur.
Where is your fleet most exposed to fuel disruption?
Start by building a clear picture of where you're most vulnerable. Quantify your fleet's daily and weekly fuel consumption by vehicle type and route. Confirm your current reserves and calculate how long they'll last under normal operations. Then map your entire supply chain, including every supplier, depot and delivery dependency.
If you're relying on a single supplier or one depot, that's a critical vulnerability.
Are your fuel storage and access arrangements secure?
Treat fuel as a continuity asset with the same discipline you apply to other critical supplies. Monitor usage in near real-time so you can spot anomalies early and resolve exceptions quickly.
Build relationships with multiple suppliers to reduce single-source dependency. Put preferred supplier agreements in place with at least two or three fuel providers. Where feasible, agree priority supply provisions contractually, not verbally. Build escalation routes and named contacts so you can act quickly when supplies tighten.
Identify your nearest fuel storage facility and understand access requirements. Improve physical security around storage and dispensing points, especially during disruption.
What operational changes can reduce fuel consumption now?
Behavioural changes can deliver meaningful savings quickly when shortages hit. Reinforce fuel-efficient driving practices: smooth acceleration and braking, steady speeds and engine off when stationary. Use route optimisation to reduce mileage and improve vehicle utilisation.
Introduce or tighten anti-idling rules and monitor compliance using telematics. Review your schedules to consolidate trips, prioritise essential routes and defer non-critical work. Target interventions where they'll have the biggest impact.
Are you prepared for government intervention and fuel prioritisation?
If disruption escalates nationally, fuel may be prioritised for essential services. You'll be better placed if you understand how to evidence your criticality.
Confirm whether you meet the criteria to be treated as an essential service provider and gather documentation that supports this. Establish internal ownership for government liaison and regulatory communications. Monitor credible official updates and supply-side indicators relevant to your operations.
Do you have an actionable fuel disruption plan?
You need a response plan with clear triggers, actions, and decision rights. Keep it simple, practical and rehearsed:
- Tier 1 (advisory): Monitor developments, brief drivers, confirm reserves, tighten fuel discipline.
- Tier 2 (amber): Activate secondary suppliers, suspend non-essential journeys, increase vehicle sharing, prioritise critical routes.
- Tier 3 (critical): Operate essential vehicles only, ration fuel internally by priority routes, activate government liaison processes.
Test your plan through tabletop exercises and live checks. A plan you don't rehearse won't perform under pressure.
Is your organisation financially resilient to prolonged shortages?
Fuel disruption can create immediate cash pressure and contractual friction. Address the commercial side before disruption forces rushed decisions.
Review insurance coverage for operational disruption arising from fuel shortage; many standard policies exclude or limit it.
Model the financial impact of 30, 60, and 90-day disruption scenarios and identify funding options. Review customer and supplier contracts for force majeure and service level provisions and prepare your response approach.
Looking ahead: Reducing risk and driving efficiency
The simplest way to reduce fuel risk is to reduce the need to drive. Where possible, reduce non-essential vehicle movement through remote working, virtual meetings and digital service delivery. Invest in predictive maintenance so breakdowns don't compound problems during a shortage. Use fleet management platforms to model disruption scenarios and stress-test your assumptions.
To review your operational resilience strategy or insurance coverage, get in touch with our specialists.
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