Building fuel cost predictability in an unpredictable world

When fuel prices fluctuate, it’s not just your budget that takes a hit, but your ability to confidently plan, forecast and run a business.

Fuel is one of the most unpredictable costs. Everything from weather delays, supply chain issues and infrastructure changes can impact prices. And when costs go up without warning, even the most carefully planned budgets can unravel fast.

But while you can’t control the market, you can control how you manage your fuel spend. Real-time data, smart digital tools and a proactive mindset can all help reduce volatility and build a more predictable approach to fuel.

Between January and October 2025, average UK fuel prices have shifted by over 10%. For businesses that operate vehicles, even small price hikes can:

• Disrupt financial forecasts
• Affect profitability
• Delay operational decisions
• Create stress for drivers and managers

And it’s not just the pump price. Missed receipts, inefficient refuelling habits, and inconsistent driver behaviour all add up, until the budget’s blown.

Predictability isn’t about keeping fuel prices fixed (that’s out of your hands). It’s about putting systems in place to spot issues early, proactively manage spend, and avoid surprises.

That means:

• Tracking fuel use in real-time
• Spotting trends before they escalate
• Comparing vehicle and driver performance
• Adjusting plans quickly when conditions change
• Setting realistic targets with built-in flexibility

It’s about gaining insight – not just oversight – into how your fuel is being used.

If you don’t know where your fuel budget is going, you can’t manage it. That’s why the first step to predictability is visibility.

With fuelGenie, you can:

• View spend by driver, vehicle or team
• Filter by date, location or station type
• See trends in fuel consumption across the fleet
• Download easy-to-read reports for planning

The more you track, the more accurately you can forecast.

Fuel usage doesn’t just vary by mileage, it also varies by behaviour.

Use your data to answer:

• Are some drivers consistently using more fuel than others?
• Are certain vehicles less efficient due to age, maintenance or weight?
• Do some routes cause more fuel burn than others?

fuelGenie’s reporting tools help you compare performance and identify outliers, so you can make improvements where they matter most.

A sudden spike in fuel usage might not seem like much, but if it goes unnoticed, it can throw off your entire quarter.

fuelGenie lets you:

• Set alerts when usage exceeds expected levels
• Track spend against budget targets
• Monitor refuelling frequency and location
• Investigate anomalies before they become issues

Small changes in behaviour or route planning now can prevent bigger problems later.

Predictability doesn’t mean rigid. When things change you need tools that let you adapt fast.

fuelGenie’s online account access gives you:

• 24/7 visibility from any device
• The ability to set and update spend limits
• Quick access to reports and digital invoices
• Flexibility to respond in real-time to business needs

Then you can turn these insights into action, without the admin headache.

Where and when your drivers refuel can make a big difference.

With fuelGenie, your team can:

• Refuel at over 1,350 supermarket stations (often at lower, more stable prices)
• Plan stops in advance to avoid premium forecourts
• Use loyalty points for extra savings at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons
• Upgrade to fuelGenie+ for access to over 2,200 locations, including Shell stations on major A-roads

Controlled refuelling = fewer surprises, less detours, and better cost control.

In uncertain markets, it’s not just about cutting costs, but knowing what to expect.

With the right tools and habits, businesses can:

• Plan with more accuracy
• Budget with more confidence
• Avoid last-minute cost shocks
• Make smarter, data-led decisions

And when fuel is one of your biggest expenses, that kind of stability is invaluable.

You don’t need to predict the price of fuel tomorrow to manage it well today.

With tools like fuelGenie, you can monitor spend, spot trends early, and stay one step ahead of market fluctuations. That means less guesswork, more clarity and a business that runs smoother, no matter what the fuel market throws your way.

Because unpredictability is inevitable. But with the right approach, overspending doesn’t have to be.