Van users should beware red herrings that could cost them hundreds of pounds, according to The Fuelcard People, part of The Fuel Card Group. Steve Clarke, group marketing manager, has warned that some firms comparing fuel cards still believe in universal validity, a supposed ‘benefit’ that actually makes no sense.
He said: “Some people still think that they need a fuel card that can be used anywhere, as if major brand filling stations are hard to find. In fact, you can not travel very far on any British road without passing countless forecourts.”
He issued a challenge. “Next time you start your engine, think of any of the major brands: BP, Esso, Shell or Texaco. Then, count their forecourts as you pass them during the day. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you would have had difficulty in refuelling if you could only use that brand.”
The ‘universal validity’ concept was exposed as a myth some years ago, but persists because it is the only supposed ‘benefit’ offered by certain pump price fuel cards.
“You can not blame those suppliers,” said Steve Clarke. “When The Fuelcard People can deliver savings of up to 4p per litre, while they are charging full price, they have to try to find something to say. Common sense should tell any van user that, whatever the brand on their fuel card, they should never need to go off-route to refuel.”