Norfolk's haulage companies concerned about rising fuel costs
Data from Experian Catalist show that a litre of petrol currently costs 155.62p, while diesel stands at a record 161.28p
Last updated 8th Mar 2022
Haulage companies across Norfolk need clarity and certainty over how they tackle rising fuel costs and develop the industry, according to one local firm.
As of yesterday (7th March) data from Experian Catalist shows that a litre of petrol currently costs 155.62p, while diesel stands at a record 161.28p.
It means the typical family car is ÂŁ17 more expensive to fill up than a year ago.
Helena Wright is the manager of W's Transport, a family run business based in Dereham.
Ms Wright told us there could be trouble in store if prices continue to rise: "The consequences are that small business like us might not be here.
"Although that might seem very very insignificant, that's people losing their jobs who work here and it then starts to reflect on there then being shortages and there then starts to be shortages on the shelves."
She went on to tell us that the on-going situation means planning is difficult: "You are constantly looking and reviewing because without knowing the price of diesel and what it could potentially be in two months, it then reflects on where you talk with your customers and likewise further development is, are we moving away from diesel?
"Is this the whole point that they're are going to get at? So, we're up in the air about where we are going.
"It's creating a massive strain, we're not knowing any information as to how high it's going to go. We'd don't know where to start talks with customers because things are moving at such a rapid pace, where do you start? So, it's creating a lot of drama."
She also told us that she and others want to see a long-term plan about where the industry is heading: "We need to look at development of the network. If we can move away from diesel and have these big tractor unit trucks running around on electric, I'm so open for it. But, there's no infrastructure to support us to do that.
"So, that is basically future development for our industry- it's the only way."