Transport Charity Faces Rising Fuel Costs
A Gloucestershire-based transport charity, Sheppard House Health and Social Care, which offers a vital dial-a-ride service to the community, has announced it must secure an additional £20,000 to cover escalating fuel expenses.
The charity, serving individuals with mobility challenges in Newent, Forest of Dean, and nearby villages, has found the increased fuel prices have made sustaining the service at previous rates unfeasible.
Lyndon Biddle, from the charity, stated, "some costs we just have to pass on because the margins are so fine".
Biddle highlighted that filling the fleet of minibuses has become "increasingly expensive," estimating a roughly 35% rise in fuel costs, which he warned "could be the difference between profit and loss" for the service.
As a result, the dial-a-ride fare has increased from £6 to £6.50 for a return trip.
He added, "Increasing the price is not something we do lightly and we've managed to hold the price for several years, but unfortunately the fuel increase has tipped us over the edge."
Local Eco Shop Owner Also Impacted by Rising Costs
Kirsty Scott, owner of Forest Friends eco store in Lydney, Forest of Dean, is also experiencing financial pressure due to rising costs. Her business depends heavily on imported herbs and spices, many sourced internationally.
Scott reported that some product costs have surged by "30% overnight," compelling her to raise prices in her store.
Despite the closure of several shops in her area, she remains committed to keeping her business open.
Scott said, "I do it for the love of it, I'm not doing it for income right now, unfortunately."
Fuel Price Trends and Market Analysis
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, provided insight into the current fuel price trends, noting that average petrol and diesel prices have risen daily for the past 40 consecutive days.
Williams explained, "for diesel, this is a new record for consecutive daily price rises since 2015 and for petrol it matches the run of rises seen at the end of June 2022."
However, he also indicated that the rate of increase has begun to slow, stating that unleaded petrol prices "shouldn't rise any further for the time being," and the record diesel price is unlikely to be surpassed soon.
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