At the request of members, the BHTA has created practical guidance to help businesses manage fuel-related risks, maintain continuity of service, and respond to periods of supply chain disruption.
This guidance focuses on fuel cost volatility, logistics disruption, and continuity planning for healthcare and assistive technology businesses operating in the UK. It is intended for members across manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service provision.
The current picture
While the Middle East conflict paints an uncertain picture, early planning can help businesses reduce both operational and financial impact if conditions worsen.
Currently, the most immediate issue is higher fuel costs rather than a sustained national shortage. However, short-term local disruption can still occur due to factors such as panic buying, refinery issues, industrial action, or fuel distribution challenges.
Members should therefore plan for both ongoing cost increases and short-term disruption to fuel availability or deliveries.
What to monitor
Members may wish to monitor the following over the coming weeks:
- Fuel price trends using tools such as the RAC fuel price tracker.
- Supplier delivery times and any new surcharges.
- Availability of key products, components, or raw materials.
- Changes in insurance, freight, or logistics costs.
- Customer demand patterns, and any changes in ordering behaviour.
Practical actions for members
Members may wish to take the following steps:
- Track fuel, freight, and delivery costs regularly.
- Monitor trends through the RAC fuel price tracker
- Review contracts and supplier terms to understand whether transport or fuel costs can be updated.
- Improve efficiency through route planning, combined visits, routine vehicle checks, and reducing unnecessary idling.
- Reduce miles driven identify if there are opportunities for improved scheduling, and combined visits.
- Keep vehicles well maintained to improve fuel efficiency.
- Use remote meetings or support where practical.
- Check stock levels for critical items and identify back-up suppliers if disruption affects deliveries.
- Build fuel risk into pricing, budgeting, and contract reviews where appropriate.
Consider exploring local arrangements to support fuel continuity. If your service is a key frontline service, consider working with local petrol stations or a national chain to help guarantee fuel access.
For larger organisations, fuel cards, fleet tools, or local fuel supply agreements may also be worth exploring.
Pricing and customer communication
Members may also wish to review how increased costs are managed and communicated:
- Consider how fuel and delivery cost increases are reflected in pricing.
- Use clear, evidence-based explanations where price changes are necessary.
- Review contracts to understand whether cost adjustments can be applied.
Clear and transparent communication can help maintain trust with customers during periods of cost volatility.
Planning ahead
A well-prepared business is likely to have:
- Visibility of fuel, freight, and delivery costs on at least a weekly basis.
- A simple continuity plan documented and shared internally.
- Clear priority services and essential activities identified.
- Supplier and delivery contingencies in place.
- A clear approach to customer communication during disruption.
Template: Simple fuel continuity plan
Members may find it helpful to document a simple contingency plan. This does not need to be complex but should clearly set out how the business will respond if disruption occurs.
Members who would prefer a ready-to-use version can download the template here.
1. Priority activities
- Identify essential services, such as urgent repairs, clinical support, and critical deliveries.
- Define which journeys must continue under all circumstances.
2. Fuel management
- Set minimum fuel levels for vehicles.
- Identify preferred refuelling locations.
- Consider local agreements with fuel suppliers where appropriate.
3. Operational adjustments
- Combine visits and optimise routes.
- Reduce non-essential travel.
- Increase use of remote support where possible.
4. Stock and supply chain
- Maintain minimum stock levels for critical products.
- Identify alternative suppliers or delivery options.
5. Customer communication
- Prepare messaging for potential delays.
- Be clear and transparent about any service changes.
6. Internal coordination
- Assign responsibility for fuel and supply chain risk management, for example to an operations manager or senior leader.
- Ensure clear internal communication and escalation routes.
- Assign responsibility for monitoring fuel and supply risks.
- Review the situation regularly, for example weekly.
