SMEs and larger fleets could save thousands of pounds thanks to a best-value fuel app from fuel card provider FuelGenie.

The Petrol Station Finder app lists prices for every Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s fuel station across the UK

Said to be unique, the Petrol Station Finder app lists prices for every Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s fuel station across the UK, based on the most recent purchases by FuelGenie customers at each location.

Company car drivers and fleet managers can use this information to plan journeys and ensure the most cost-effective sites are used when vehicles are running low.

Drivers can also enter their location to find the best-value fuel station nearby – FuelGenie points out that prices can vary significantly between petrol stations, including between different operators in the same town or even at sites in the same area operated by the same company.

The app works on both Apple and Android smartphones as well as PCs – and can generate powerful savings for fleets.

FuelGenie managing director Robert Pieczka explained: “In businesses operating dozens or even hundreds of vehicles, fuel can be one of the largest areas of expenditure. Companies are naturally seeking ways to minimise that cost and our app can play a major role in that.

“Knowing where fuel is the best value allows informed decisions to be made about where and when to stop and fuel up. Multiplied across large fleets, these savings could equate to hundreds of thousands of pounds each year.”

Fleets can also significantly enhance savings if vehicles are correctly maintained and behind-the-wheel behaviours are optimised.

This includes:

• Keeping tyres at the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres suffer from greater drag and use more fuel – up to 10% – to compensate for this. Correct wheel alignment and adherence to servicing schedules will also help.
• Avoiding over-rapid acceleration and other aggressive driving behaviours such as sharp braking.
• Minimising idling and using stop/ start technology will also help, as will reducing the use of air conditioning systems, heated seats and other electrical systems.

“Drivers should also be trained to anticipate road conditions to minimise the number of times they come to a complete stop. Every driver should also undertake a regular visual check of the vehicle condition and advise immediately of any obvious issues or concerns,” added Pieczka.