Business

Ascona boss gives his views on rising petrol and diesel prices

Published

3 years ago

March 6, 2022

DARREN BRIGGS, the Managing Director of Ascona Group has today taken to social media to express his personal views to the recent rise in oil prices.

Darren founded Ascona Group in 2011 in Pembrokeshire. He began his career in the industry with roles at Elf Oil UK Limited and Total UK Limited, before founding BigOil.net in2004, which he sold to the PRA in 2008. He is probably the best person in Wales to ask about fuel prices.

My personal response and views to rising fuel prices

The heightened geo-political tensions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the package of economic sanctions imposed by the West in response, mean that we are seeing unprecedented increases in prices for crude oil and of course refined petroleum products (petrol, diesel and the like).

Russia is the second biggest oil producer in the world and the third biggest producer in terms of refined products. Almost 20% of the UK’s diesel is imported from Russia*

The question I get asked a lot is “why the big difference of fuel pricing between your sites and the supermarkets?”

The honest answer is that, ultimately, we will always attempt to be as competitive as commercially possible and sometimes we will retail fuel at zero or very little profit margin to remain competitive in a particularly price sensitive area. The Pembroke Dock and Pembroke area is a prime example (with competition from both Asda and Tesco). Note – Asda is an unmanned site, therefore no staffing costs!

Unfortunately for an independent business like Ascona, the supermarkets have an unfair commercial advantage.

Having worked in this sector for over 25 years, (I now feel old!) here is my insider knowledge:

The supermarkets buy their petrol and diesel on a previous (up to) a 3 weekly ‘lag’. What does this mean?

In simple terms, the fuel they sell today is based on the cost price 3 weeks ago. So when the cost prices sky rocket (as they have in the last 2 weeks), the supermarkets are still buying fuel at a substantially lower price than independent fuel retailers.

So how do independent fuel retailers buy petrol and diesel?

Most fuel supply contracts in the independent market usually last for between 3 or 5 years, and are linked to the Platts commodity price assessment for North West Europe (refined products for petrol and diesel). These products are traded in $ per tonne and then converted into pence per litre using density factors and the exchange rate between sterling and the dollar. There are other elements such as bio fuels, ethanol and others, but let’s try and keep this as simple as possible!

Is there a big pricing lag for independent retailers?

Sadly, no! We do not enjoy a 3 weekly lag that supermarkets do. However, we do have the choice between a weekly lag or a previous day market on close price.
In a very volatile market (like now) the weekly lag offers some protection or comfort in a rapidly increasing market, but if any particular forecourt or business has a high volume of sales, this is short lived.
When prices are volatile and increasing on a daily basis, having fuel delivered from your supplying oil company based on a previous day market on close price means that it is extremely difficult to remain competitive. In fact, it is impossible. If you take the average of last weeks prices, petrol and diesel have risen by over 7 and 12 pence per litre respectively. A forecourt operating on a previous day price would have to pass on these huge cost increases immediately. Not doing so would be commercial suicide, but this leads to big price differences at the pole sign!
It should be noted that all Shell branded dealer sites across the UK operate on a previous day market on close price. I estimate over a third of dealers operate on a previous day market on close price.

Ultimately, ours is a very tough industry to be in. Forecourts have to rely on retail shop sales and other associated retail services to remain competitive and to make a net profit.

Taking into account the increases in energy costs and minimum wage increases this year, the average petrol forecourt in the UK costs over £20,000 a month to run. Fuel volumes are still around 90% of pre-covid levels and fuel margins remain between 5 and 9 pence per litre depending on price sensitivity of the local area, since Covid.

However, the fuel margins in the coming weeks will inevitably reduce as we try and remain as competitive as possible within the UK retail fuel market. There will be significant price differences in pole sign prices.

I will leave you with a final thought …

Whilst the mainstream media is bemoaning fuel retailers for increasing prices at the pole signs, international wholesale markets are in fact driving global change for reasons identified at the beginning of my post.

The UK, in fact, probably has cheapest petrol and diesel in Europe when you deduct motor fuel duty and VAT. But of course someone has to pay for furlough?

*source – Goldman Sachs strategic review February 2022.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.