Specialist oil trading company Portland is targeting car and van fleets with a new fuel card that fixes diesel pump prices for a year.

Portland says most regular fuel cards just help improve fuel cost administration, but its expertise enables customers to agree one price for diesel no matter where they may operate in the UK.

This price - which is based on the week's national average retail price - is then fixed for a period of up to 52 weeks.

Portland claims flexibility is guaranteed with no limit on the minimum or maximum number of vehicles covered and and with the option to fix for anywhere between one and 52 weeks or more.

James Spencer, managing director of Portland said: "For many of our customers, fuel is the single biggest cost to their business.

"Prices at the pump have increased by 50% in the last five years and while Government ia making some efforts to slow this trend down it's unlikely it will ever be reversed. This not only puts pressure on operating budgets, but also makes accurately quoting for future work problematic."

Customers will receive a weekly itemised fuel bill and online account management facility to access their data in real time. The Portland card also guarantees customers complete transparency as there are no transactional charges, thus removing any concerns over hidden costs.

Spencer added: "Being able to fix costs on fuel brings peace of mind to management, while staff can enjoy the benefits of a fuel card without having to worry about getting the best price when out on the road."

The Portland fixed price fuel card can be used at 1,500 sites across the UK through the UK Fuels Network, including all branches of Morrisons and Tesco.