Fuel Shortage: How to Plan Ahead, Stay Secure & Keep Projects Moving

Fuel shortages and price fluctuations are becoming a growing concern across the construction industry. From rising costs to unexpected delays, the knock-on effects can quickly disrupt even the most well-planned projects.

When fuel becomes unpredictable, so does your project timeline, unless you plan ahead.

In this article, we take a closer look at what’s driving the current fuel challenges, how they’re impacting sites across the UK, and, most importantly, what you can do to stay one step ahead.

What’s causing fuel shortages?

There isn’t a single cause behind the current fuel pressures, it’s a combination of global and local factors.

One of the biggest drivers is ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Geopolitical tensions, including unrest in key oil-producing regions, continue to affect supply and pricing. While these factors sit outside of the construction industry, they have a direct impact on fuel availability and cost.

Closer to home, supply chain challenges are also playing a role. The UK has experienced shortages of HGV drivers in recent years, which has affected the transportation and delivery of fuel. Even when supply is available, delays in distribution can create bottlenecks in getting it to sites when it’s needed.

There’s also been a shift in behaviour across the industry. Some businesses are ordering fuel in larger quantities to safeguard against shortages or price increases. While understandable, this can put additional pressure on supply and contribute to availability issues elsewhere.

Put simply, it’s a complex situation and one that isn’t likely to stabilise overnight.

How fuel shortages impact construction projects

Fuel is at the heart of most construction operations, so any disruption can have a wide-reaching impact.

One of the most immediate effects is cost. Diesel prices remain volatile, and fluctuations can significantly increase operating expenses, putting pressure on already tight margins.

There’s also the risk of delays. Limited fuel availability can reduce plant operating time, slow down progress, and in some cases, bring work to a temporary halt. When projects are running to strict deadlines, even small disruptions can quickly escalate.

Uncertainty around pricing also makes it more difficult to plan and quote for future work. Contractors may find that costs change between tendering and project start dates, making accurate forecasting a challenge.

All of this creates a ripple effect, impacting timelines, budgets, and overall project delivery.

Our Director, Stuart Curtis, recently shared his thoughts on the current fuel situation, what it means for our customers, and how you can stay ahead.

Key takeaways from the video:

• Order fuel in advance wherever possible
• Be prepared for price fluctuations
• Take fuel security seriously
• Plan ahead to minimise disruption

Planning ahead: staying one step ahead of the problem

When it comes to fuel, forward planning is more important than ever.

Ordering earlier than usual can help avoid delays, even if prices remain unpredictable. While it’s impossible to time the market perfectly, securing supply ahead of time gives you greater control over your project schedule.

Relying on “just in time” delivery is becoming increasingly risky. With so many external factors affecting supply, leaving fuel orders until the last minute can lead to unnecessary disruption.

Instead, factor fuel into your project planning from the outset. Build in contingency where possible and work closely with your suppliers to ensure availability when you need it.

A bit of preparation now can save a lot of headaches further down the line.

Fuel Storage and security

With rising fuel prices and tighter supply, fuel theft has become a growing concern across construction sites, farms, and commercial premises. Diesel, petrol, and heating oil are all common targets, particularly when stored in accessible or poorly secured locations. (Forest Industry Safety Accord).

The impact isn’t just financial. Stolen fuel can delay projects, disrupt operations, and create additional costs in replacing damaged equipment.

There are several practical steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Ensuring your site is well monitored is key. Installing CCTV or additional security measures around fuel storage areas can act as both a deterrent and a way to identify any issues quickly.

Positioning also matters. Keeping tanks in well-lit, visible areas and restricting access to authorised personnel can significantly reduce vulnerability.

Regular checks are equally important. Monitoring fuel usage and keeping accurate records makes it easier to spot discrepancies early and act quickly.

Proper storage solutions also play a crucial role. Using compliant fuel bowsers and storage tanks ensures not only safety but also better control over your supply.

One tip shared by our Director, Stuart Curtis, is a practical (and slightly unconventional) approach: leaving fuel caps off overnight. While it might sound counterintuitive, determined thieves will often take fuel regardless, either by forcing caps open or damaging the tank itself. Leaving caps off can, in some cases, prevent more costly damage to your equipment. 

It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it highlights the importance of thinking practically about risk.

How Rockthorn can help

Fuel challenges aren’t going away overnight, and the current landscape requires a more proactive approach than ever before.

Planning ahead, securing your supply, and protecting your resources can make all the difference when it comes to keeping projects on track.

We’re here to support you with reliable supply, practical advice, and access to the right storage solutions and equipment. Whether you need help planning quantities, setting up site storage, or preparing for upcoming work, our team is on hand to help. Simply give us a call on 0330 118 5030, or email us at hire@rockthorn.co.uk for more information.