GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services are perplexed by the fall in the popularity of fuel cards. At a time when pump prices are reaching an all time high it makes sense for fleet managers to take control of its fuel costs. Petrol and diesel rose by between 15 and 20 percent in the last 12 months and the trend looks sets continue into 2009.

“Both crude oil prices and petrol and diesel pump prices are notoriously difficult to predict but it is difficult to envisage much respite from upward pressure during the rest of 2008.This is an area where many fleet managers tend to believe that there is little or nothing that can be done to take control but our experience is the opposite. Proactive management of fuel brings worthwhile results” says Rich Green of GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services.

The message is that fleet managers should be embracing the fuel card or risk severe problems in the second half of 2008. The fuel cards will allow fleets to gather information on fuel use, the prices being paid at the pump and most importantly help fleets to make the decisions on how to manage down costs.