VAN fleet operators have been warned that the era of cheap fuel has ended forever and that the situation is going to get much worse over the next year.

Delegates at Lloyds TSB Autolease’s latest Best Practice Workshop were told of a global oil crisis that is going to affect our lives, how we travel and how businesses are fundamentally structured.

Environmental expert Don Potts outlined just how challenging the future will be.

He commented: “We’re heading for $200 per barrel in early 2009 and that will mean we will be paying about £1.50 per litre at the pump.

“This will impact hugely on how you run a fleet.

“Despite the news agenda over the last couple of months, I don’t think industry has taken these warnings seriously.

“But these oil prices are never going to drop again, even with Saudi Arabia increasing production.”

A panel of environmental experts at the session, entitled ‘The Environment: Running a Greener Fleet’, explained how this rise could significantly influence the introduction of more alternative fuel vehicles.

Mr Potts assessed Government plans which affect fleets including the rise in fuel taxes, congestion charges, low emission zones, alternative fuels and existing and
future legislation.

Delegates also had the opportunity to test drive a number of electric and hybrid vehicles including a Modec, Peugeot Expert, E7 Hackney taxi, Aixam Crossline and a Toyota Prius.