By Sokolis Group - January 9th, 2012
 Look at the chart on diesel fuel prices over the past 3 years. Tell me it’s not scary in trying to figure out where they are going to be next week, next month or 6 months from now. You can’t control what happens to drive diesel fuel prices all over the board. You can control the margin you pay?
Oh yes, you can. Whether the price was $4.71 a gallon or $2.09 or $3.92 a gallon, there was a profit margin that your fuel vendor made from your company. The fuel vendors margin changes all of the time. Would you like to have some control of a large spend like your fleet fueling? What is a fair and reasonable margin that you should be charged?
That would depend on a lot of factors. These would include how well do you understand diesel fuel prices? Who are your contacts in the fuel industry? How large is your fleet of vehicles and how much diesel fuel are you buying?
If I told you that most vendors can make more margin from you when diesel fuel prices were low than when they are high would you believe me? The fact is if you are not watching the market, reviewing indexes, auditing fuel invoices your company wouldn’t know if it is pay a penny to much a gallon or 50 cents to much a gallon. Really, would you know if the invoice is correct or if you believed you had a pricing deal that was over rack. What is rack? Is it the same rack every day? Do you get that rack price? So how do you know? We do know and we know what information is important so you get the best deal, pay a consistent low margin and we manage it for you every step of the way. From fuel audits, to price negotiations, overcharge credits and you don’t have to do a thing. Why?
At Sokolis Group we become part of your fuel department. Most companies can’t afford their own fuel department, heck most companies don’t have the time or expertise! We do and our clients love us for it because we save them thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per month in diesel fuel costs. They get reports, that are very easy to read and summarized. We even create new reports just for them because at the end of the day our clients, are our business.
Have you ever dealt with a fuel card company or large oil company that sold you on bells and whistles. Those bells and whistles are great if you can understand the reports they send you or they call you back in a timely fashion when you have an issue. After all, every company is going to have some sort of issue, it’s how you handle it that separates the great companies that you want as your vendor from the mediocre ones.
Call now…we are waiting to help you 267-482-6155 or send an email to sales@sokolisgroup.com.
Tags: diesel fuel prices, fleet fueling, fuel audit, fuel card
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By Conor Proud - January 9th, 2012
Well, we made it. Surviving 2011 wasn’t easy – the prolonged economic troubles, shifting global issues, rising food prices, etc…but look on the bright side, we made it through not one, but two threatened apocalypses! 2012 is bound to be a better year (and it only includes one Judgment Day from what I’ve heard).
I pay no attention to that nonsense, and you shouldn’t either. There are everyday things that consume our time, like spending time with family or enjoying life. As everyone gets over their holiday hangover and settles in for yet another year, you may be ready to finally get a hold of your fuel program. That’s where we come in.
In 2011 fuel savings was as tricky as ever. Crude was at it’s highest in April, closing out at $114.13 on April 29th. We weren’t buying it here at Sokolis Group with the belief that this was not even a $100 market. It eventually came down to a yearly low on October 3rd at $76.97. We advised some of our clients to buy then believing that it went too low! It has since creped back up. We finished out the year in a mid to high $90s. A lot of that had to do with the tight supply in Europe andAsia. TheU.S. has been a major exporter of diesel, more than ever before.
Luckily, there are ways to improve your program. We have experts that spend all day every day looking at fuel purchases. We know the industry and we have the resources to lower and control your diesel fuel prices. GEICO has it right: a few minutes of your time could save you a lot of money. But to save that money on your fuel program (not your insurance), you have to take a moment to pick up the phone and give me a call Conor Proud at 267-482-6159 or drop me an email cproud@sokolisgroup.com. Let’s talk about how Sokolis Group may be able to help you save money in 2012.
Tags: diesel fuel prices, fuel, fuel prices, fuel program
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By Sokolis Group - January 4th, 2012
Diesel fuel prices dipped 0.8 cents to $3.783 a gallon, its sixth straight decline, while gasoline fuel prices had its biggest increase since October. Gasoline rose 4.1 cents to $3.299, its second straight increase and biggest since Oct. 17. Diesel fuel has fallen 22.7 cents in the past six weeks, following two straight increases totaling 12.3 cents before that. Gas has now risen 7 cents in two weeks. Trucking’s main fuel is now 45.2 cents over same week last year, while gasoline is 22.9 cents higher. If you need more information on how you can save on your fuel purchases and get a customized fuel management program that best fits your needs please give Conor Proud a call at 267-482-6159.
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By Sokolis Group - January 3rd, 2012
The average cost of gasoline rose for the first time in over 5 weeks to $3.258 per gallon, which is up 2.9 cents from last week and 20.6 cents from last year. This weekly increase is most likely due to the high volume of holiday travel, and should decrease again with the conclusion of the holiday season.
On the other hand, diesel fuel prices dropped to $3.791 per gallon, down 3.7 cents from last week. However, the diesel fuel price is up almost 50 cents from last year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel fuel prices are expected to average around $3.85 per gallon in 2012, which is about the same as this past year. This might not be the best news for your fleet fuel cards, but at least the average prices are not anticipated to rise.
Crude oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel this past week. Kevin Jones of the Associated Press states that “overall in 2011, crude prices averaged $95.09 per barrel in New York. That’s up from $79.64 in 2010 and from $62.11 in 2009. The Energy Department expects prices to rise further in 2012 to an average of $98 per barrel.”
The International Business Times state that Iran has said it will close the strategic waterway through which more than a quarter of the world’s tanker-borne crude passes if the U.S. and allies go ahead and impose tougher sanctions on account of Tehran’s alleged nuclear bomb project. The U.S., and its chief ally in the region, Israel, are determined to deny Iran a balance-tilting nuclear bomb. That means the nuclear plot will only thicken in the months ahead, implying also that crude prices will continue to remain volatile.
In order to get the most fuel savings as possible, especially with the volatility of prices in the future, give Sokolis Group a call. Our fleet management and fuel management systems will help your company get the most for your money, which is vital in these tough economic times.
Tags: Fleet Management, fuel savings
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By Sokolis Group - January 2nd, 2012
Diesel fuel prices tumbled more than 10 cents during the final two weeks of 2011, the Department of Energy reported, as refineries continued ramping up production.
The national diesel fuel price average dipped 3.7 cents a gallon to $3.791 on Dec. 26, which followed a drop of 6.6 cents the prior week. All good for your fuel card so you don’t run up too big of numbers.
Diesel fuel prices since moving back above $4 a gallon during November, truckers fleet fueling has fallen a total of 21.9 cents over the past five weeks. However, the diesel fuel price average is still closed 2011 49.7 cents higher than it was at the end of 2010, according to DOE data. I guess know since we are in 2012 we will have to drop that 2010 comparison so each fleet manager doesn’t get stomach pains when they see the difference between the years.
Crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange also remained near the $100 a barrel mark as 2011 closed because of European financial uncertainty and political concerns in the Middle East, Bloomberg News reported.
Despite rising oil prices, Phil Flynn, a senior market analyst for Chicago futures brokerage PFGBest, told Transport Topics that diesel fuel prices were falling because unseasonably high temperatures have been allowing refineries to produce more diesel, rather than heating oil, from distillate stocks. Now there is good news for each fleet manager and their fuel management. It’s fuel savings on fleet fueling without having to work at it. Count that as an earlier present because 2012 will be a rocky each for fleet management.
DOE’s Energy Information Administration also reported that total domestic distillate output was 4.4 million barrels a day for the week of Dec. 16, up from 3.24 million barrels a day the week of Nov. 25.
Despite the positive trend, trucking executives said they were remaining cautious on diesel fuel prices as 2012 began. As well everyone should because fuel savings will be difficult to come by during the year unless you have a proper fuel management approach.
Look what happened in late December, oil rose for seven straight days — and briefly topped $101 a barrel — before declining on Dec. 28 after Europe’s Central Bank loaned cash to several financial institutions to keep credit flowing.
Besides concerns about Europe, Iran’s threats to close the Straits of Hormuz and political upheaval in Russia also were blamed for the fleet fuel price increases.
PFGBest’s Flynn noted that crude supplies at a three-year low in the United States, which also was keeping prices elevated.
See unlike most things crude oil and its little brothers gas prices and diesel fuel prices react to EVERYTHING that goes on in the world. Now is the time to call Sokolis Group at 267-482-6159. Don’t wait until $4.25 diesel fuel card costs. Let us help you get your program running smooth now.
Tags: diesel fuel prices, Fleet Management, fuel card, Fuel Management
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By Sokolis Group - December 28th, 2011
Diesel fell another 3.7 cents to $3.791 a gallon, its fifth straight decline, while gasoline rose for the first time in six weeks, the Department of Energy said Tuesday.
Gas gained 2.9 cents to $3.258 a gallon, marking its first increase since Nov. 14 and just the second in the past 10 weeks.
Diesel has fallen almost 22 cents in the past fives weeks, following 12.3 cents in two consecutive increases prior to that.
Trucking’s main fuel is now 49.7 cents higher than the same week last year, while gas is 20.6 cents more expensive, according DOE figures. Do you have someone looking over your fuel purchases? Give Sokolis Group a call 267-482-6159 and we will be happy to review your fuel purchases to make sure you are not feeling the increase and yet getting the decrease from vendors when prices fall.
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By Sokolis Group - December 20th, 2011
Diesel fuel prices dropped 6.6 cents to $3.828 a gallon, its fourth straight downturn and the biggest decline in more than a year and a half, the Department of Energy said Monday. Is this the beginning of a big dip in fleet fueling? If I was a fleet manager, I wouldn’t get to excited yet.
Gas prices, meanwhile, fell 5.7 cents to $3.229 a gallon for a fifth straight drop, DOE said following its weekly survey of filling stations. Isn’t great to be paying this low for gas prices, it makes my fuel card sing. I know it wasn’t long ago that we thought anything over $3.00 a gallon for gas prices was an outrage but when it comes to fuel management and the way all fleet fueling prices work, this price isn’t so bad, is it.
Diesel fuel prices falling 18.2 cents in the past four weeks, though it rose 12.3 cents in two weekly increases just prior to that. Seesaw would be a good way to describe how crazy fleet management is today when it comes to diesel fuel prices. Feeling good one day? Turn your head and the next day your fuel card has reached its limits and your mobile fueling company it taking advantage of you.
Trucking’s main fuel is now 58 cents higher than the same week last year, while gasoline is 24.7 cents higher, according to DOE records. Always look to Sokolis Group for all your fuel management and fleet fueling needs.
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By Sokolis Group - December 19th, 2011
Diesel fuel prices have fallen over the last couple of weeks. They have followed the trend by crude oil prices going lower but what will happen next. We have some crazy things going on that can affect your fleet fueling.
- Possible oil embargo talks against Iran
- North Korean leader is dead
- U.S. leaves Iraq
Any of these things going on at one time could make a fleet manager worry that pump prices will soon be taking off but all 3 at one time. It might be time to review your guide to fuel savings or better yet the special guide to diesel fuel prices not going to $5. Yes, I said $5 a gallon. I am not saying it’s going to happen but one never knows.
The thought of having and embargo against the #2 OPEC oil producer Iran is scary. The U.S. is putting itself out there with many other countries and trusting countries that aren’t always the most trustworthy. Let’s say these other OPEC and non OPEC countries can’t keep up with the daily production of Iran. The laws of supply and demand will surely kick in as will your diesel fuel cards credit limits.
North Korea you remember these people, the ones that the war is still not over for the last 40 years. Ok, maybe you remember them better as the country with nuclear weapons that always threaten to use them. New leader coming into office since the other leader died. What will that person be like; nice friendly or a crazy nut? Crazy nuts tend to make all world traded markets on edge. Stocks tend to go down and oil prices well, look toward the sky because that is where your diesel fuel prices would be heading.
It is great that the U.S. is finally able to leave Iraq. Iraq couldn’t take care of themselves while we were there what is it going to be like now that we left. Hold your guide to better fuel management or daily review of my fleet fueling costs. If Iraq can’t control their country your fleet management skills will truly be coming into play.
Think about this. What happens if we cut off Iran from selling fuel? Iraq can’t keep it together so Iran decides to mess with Iraq. Scary? Diesel fuel prices won’t be the only thing this fuel management guy will be thinking about.
Let’s all hope that it’s a safe and happy new year and all of this stuff will go the right direct. This way you can just call the Sokolis Group 267-482-6159 to help you lower your fueling costs.
Tags: diesel fuel prices, fleet fueling, fleet managers, Fuel Management, fuel savings, Sokoils Group
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By Sokolis Group - December 15th, 2011
Oil prices fell sharply Wednesday along with diesel fuel prices (heating oil) as the euro dropped to an 11-month low and fears of European debt contagion sent jitters through the marketplace. Heating oil settled .0989 lower which diesel fuel prices mimic and crude 5.19 lower (94.95) after worries were reinforced that the European debt crisis could trigger a broader recession in Europe which could impact global oil demand.
Fresh concerns over oil demand collided with OPEC’s decision to hold output at its current 30 million bpd level. The OPEC agreement did not include individual quotas, effectively legitimizing current freewheeling production. Selling gathered more momentum after the DOE inventory update reported crude stocks fell less than expected and gasoline stocks increased more than twice predictions. This is why we continue to see lower gas prices across the country. Diesel fuel prices remain high because of exports out to other countries. DOE also said overall oil demand lags last year by the biggest level in two-and-a-half years.
This lag in demand could spell good news in the next few weeks when you our fleet fueling using your fuel card. We all like to pay lower diesel fuel prices and gas prices especially a good fleet manager. The additional fuel savings that could happen will make a fuel management company like ours over the holiday.
Sokolis Group wishes you a happy holiday season, improvement fuel management if you use our services and a gift under the tree.
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By Sokolis Group - December 15th, 2011
It looks like fleet fueling prices might stay stable? Well it will be hard to determine if diesel fuel prices will increase of if gas prices will go higher at this point. Thought OPEC agreed to keep crude output at a daily 30 million barrels Wednesday but left it up to its 12 members to voluntarily honor that ceiling without overshooting it, reflecting their differences over prices and output.
Ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Iran had sought lower production for the cartel, which would raise oil prices. Anytime Iran can stick it to the U.S. by making diesel fuel prices and gas prices higher they try and do so. But they apparently bowed to Saudi Arabia which wanted to maintain levels and which effectively sets OPEC policy as its largest producer. This helps all each fleet manager control his fleet fueling budget for now.
Despite the compromise, Saudi-Iranian tensions overshadowed much of the meeting.
The OPEC statement said the target includes Libya, which is increasing production after its civil war ended. Libyan delegates say the country is pumping about 1 million barrels a day and plans to be up to pre-civil war levels of around 1.6 million barrels a day within six months. The price of oil is right around $100, how much more of our money these countries need. We have high diesel fuel prices because we get their crude oil, refine it in our country and send it back to them as diesel fuel, which increases our diesel fuel prices here. If you’re talking about fuel management that is a tricky one.
Oil prices dropped Wednesday — apparently less as a reaction to the widely expected deal and more due to continued concerns about the debt crisis.
Benchmark crude fell $4.30, or 4.4%, to $95.84 per barrel in trading. Prices haven’t been that low since Nov. 25.
The statement from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said members had agreed to voluntarily lower production “to ensure market balance and reasonable prices,” should future world supply exceed demand.
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Look at the chart on diesel fuel prices over the past 3 years. Tell me it’s not scary in trying to figure out where they are going to be next week, next month or 6 months from now. You can’t control what happens to drive diesel fuel prices all over the board. You can control the margin you pay?