LLANELLI HAULIER HIT HARD: Fuel crisis adds £64,000 A WEEK to costs — and shoppers could soon feel the pain

Bosses at Owens Group say the surge in diesel prices — driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — has pushed costs up by around 30% almost overnight.

Founder Huw Owen said the impact was immediate.

“We felt it as a company straight away,” he told the BBC.

“With a fleet our size, we burn a tanker of fuel a day. We used to order fuel a week or even a fortnight in advance — now we’re negotiating prices day by day.”

Inevitable’ price hikes

The warning comes just days after concerns were raised about rural families struggling to heat their homes — with industry figures now saying the crisis is spreading fast through the wider economy.

The Road Haulage Association has warned rising fuel costs will “inevitably” be passed on, meaning higher prices for everyday goods.

“Everything we buy is moved by road at some point,” said RHA representative Geraint Davies.

“If these costs stay high, there will be an inflationary effect — it’s unavoidable.”

Supply chaos and soaring prices

The crisis has also disrupted how companies can even buy fuel.

Owens Group — one of the largest haulage firms in Wales with around 600 vehicles on the road — says suppliers have stopped allowing bulk advance orders.

Instead, firms are being forced to buy fuel daily at volatile prices, making long-term planning almost impossible.

Global oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel amid fears over supply routes linked to the conflict involving Iran, sending shockwaves through industries reliant on transport.

Government under pressure

The RHA is now urging ministers to extend the 5p fuel duty cut, warning that ending it later this year would “add flames to the fire of inflation”.

But the UK Treasury says it is trying to balance public finances, insisting it will ensure drivers get a “fair deal at the pump”.

rom hauliers to households

The warning signs are clear: from heating oil in rural homes to diesel in delivery fleets, the same crisis is rippling across Wales.

And with businesses like Owens now absorbing massive cost increases, experts say it may only be a matter of time before supermarket shelves reflect the price shock too.

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Owens Group swap their haulage vehicles for bicycles to take on 90-mile charity cycle ride

The team of 15 will start their epic bike ride at Owens Warehouse in Magor and will pass through several of the South Wales facilities, including Newport, Bridgend Parc Crescent and Margam Park. They will also be visiting the iconic Cardiff Millenium Centre.

They will kick off their fundraiser with a 9am start and finish around 16:15 at their base in Unit 7 Coffee Garage, Llanelli.

Reflecting on why Owens Group wanted to raise funds for the lifesaving Charity, Steve Jones, Bridgend Depot Manager, said: “We chose to support the Wales Air Ambulance because it’s a vital service that any one of us could need at any time. In critical situations, speed is everything, and the Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency care across Wales, giving people the best possible chance when they need it most.

“The 90-mile charity cycle idea came from wanting to connect all our depots along the South Wales coast, as we have so many in the area. Turning it into a cycling challenge felt like a great way to push ourselves while raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

Owens Group has set themselves the fundraising target of £2,000 and they have already raised an amazing £1,075.

The team are delighted to have raised so much for the Wales Air Ambulance prior to the event, which will take place on Saturday 9 August.

Chloe said: “We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received already and really proud of everyone involved, we’re still pushing to raise as much as possible for such a vital cause that is available for everyone, when they most need it.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

The Carmarthenshire logistics, warehousing and distribution company is no stranger to supporting the all-Wales Charity. In 2022, to mark half a decade in the business Owens Group held a family fun day for its staff at their headquarters. 

As part of the family fun day, a raffle was held in aid of Wales Air Ambulance which raised £2,800. Owens Group then match-funded the amount bringing the total to an incredible £5,600. 

Hannah Bartlett, Supporter Engagement Manager for the Wales Air Ambulance said: “Thank you to the team at Owens Group who will be getting on their bikes to cycle 90 miles in aid of our cause. It’s a huge challenge and they’ve already raised an incredible amount for the Wales Air Ambulance.

“The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road. We wish them well with their fundraiser and good luck on the day! Your support will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”

You can show your support to the group of cyclists by donating to their JustGiving page here.

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