FLEET fuel budgets are set to come under increasing pressure as the soaring cost of crude oil sends prices through the roof with the average price of a gallon of petrol now more than £4.

Experts say the cost could stay high for some time because of increased demand from China and the US and concern over factors such as Iraq, Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd. Industry chiefs are warning of the need for careful planning of fuel strategies.