Diesel prices are set to reach record levels in January, with fuel retailers already reeling from a 4.5p per litre rise in the cost they pay per litre over the Christmas period.

Further rises are likely before the end of January and the petrol division of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI Petrol) believes that the average forecourt price for a litre of diesel will soon top its all-time record of 143p. Industry experts are pinning the blame on Iran’s threat to hold a demonstration in the Strait of Hormuz and tightening capacity as cash-strapped refineries shut down.

For van operators, it is a good time to tighten up on heavy-footed drivers and ensure that multiple journeys are consolidated into one wherever possible. It may also be a good time to consider disposing of older vans, especially if their fuel consumption is poor when compared to new models.

Van hire can provide the ideal solution in this scenario: using a hire van to replace an older van for a week or two will provide a good insight into the difference in fuel consumption between the two models, although drivers need to play ball and concentrate on optimising fuel consumption, rather than revelling in the improved performance offered by the latest van models…

To provide an example of how van fuel consumption has improved over the last 10 years, here are fuel consumption figures for Mk5, Mk6 and the latest Mk7 Ford Transits:

• I owned a  Mk5 (1999) Ford Transit – average consumption 30mpg
• I replaced it with a Mk6 (2001) Ford Transit 100T280 – average consumption 36mpg
• The current (2012) Mk7 Ford Transit Econetic (same body/power as my Mk6) has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5mpg if fitted with the optional 62mph speed limiter

The savings could really add up for anyone doing more than nominal mileage – why not hire a van for a week and find out how your business would benefit?

To compare van hire prices from major UK van rental companies, click here.