Fuel Oil News July 2019 | Page 12

Knowledge On the road to efficient fuel distribution “GROWING FUEL PRICE INCREASES AND CHANGING PURCHASING STRATEGIES, MEANS THE ONUS IS ON PROFESSIONALS IN THE UK’S FUEL SUPPLY CHAIN TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT FLEXIBLE DISTRIBUTION MODELS TO MEET FLUCTUATIONS IN DEMAND,” SAYS TIM DOGGETT, DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR, CLUGSTON DISTRIBUTION “Clugston Distribution offers adaptable distribution solutions which are tailored to fit customers’ needs,” says Tim Doggett, distribution director Oil prices continue to seesaw, with Brent crude futures surging 3.42% to $62.02 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures soaring 3.17% to $52.76 at the time of writing. 1 And with prices expected to continue to fluctuate, fuelled by rising Middle East tension and anticipated stronger sanctions on Iran, having a robust supply chain strategy in place to tackle these dramatic market changes must be a priority. As instabilities in fuel prices continue to affect the long-term visibility on company order books, many businesses are adopting a more reactive approach to purchasing. This means a more proactive distribution provider with the ability to be flexible is essential. To capitalise on market opportunities and better control the inevitable market peaks and troughs in the best manner, businesses are seeking increased options and greater risk management when it comes to purchasing. By combining both fixed price and spot price purchasing strategies, and by acquiring fuel from different refineries located throughout the UK, businesses can obtain the best overall market rates. The logistical challenges posed by the need for fuel collection at various locations, often paired with tight collection time frames, present their own trials for the supply chain. Clugston Distribution, a leading UK logistics company, is well placed to fulfil these needs, with its strategic locations across the UK having multiple operational capabilities. The fuel fleet is closely integrated into the wider Clugston network, with drivers trained to match the requirements from a cross-section of sectors, be that full loads of steel or bulk powder loads such as flour or cement, often at short notice. By offering adaptable distribution solutions tailored to fit customers’ needs, the company’s highly trained drivers can deliver from the refineries straight to forecourts, marine vessels, distributors, commercial customers and airport bunkering facilities. www.clugston.co.uk/ logistics/ 1 https://uk.reuters.com/article/ global-oil/oil-prices-rise-on-rising- middle-east-tension-ongoing- opec-supply-cut-idUKL4N22X050 Road Tankers Northern are able to provide a flexible, competitive hire scheme. Offering both long term, and short term hire solutions, we have a variety of vehicles readily available including: • • • Aviation Rigids Trailers All vehicles are maintained prior to departure and undergo extensive health checks to satisfy the customer. Road Tankers Northern can tailor vehicles to suit the customer. For more information call 01226 352828 or e-mail us at [email protected] 12 Fuel Oil News | July 2019