As diesel prices climb, filling a typical van now costs £40 more than it did last year, putting immense pressure on tradespeople and small businesses across the country.

Meanwhile, petrol drivers are also seeing rising costs, with prices now more than 20p a litre higher than a year ago – adding £12.65 to the cost of filling a typical 55-litre tank.

To combat these rising overheads, the AA is urging drivers to regain control by focusing on vehicle efficiency and smarter refuelling habits.

Driving style plays a key role in fuel use. Harsh acceleration, late braking, higher speeds and poorly planned trips all increase consumption, while smoother driving helps each tank go further. For van drivers, even small improvements in efficiency can build into meaningful savings over time.

Vehicle load is another important factor. Carrying unnecessary weight increases the effort required from the engine, raising fuel use. Many vans routinely transport tools or equipment that are not needed for every job, which can steadily reduce fuel economy. Mid-sized vans typically achieve around 30-40mpg, but this is likely to reduce as payload increases.

Simple checks and adjustments can also help. Removing excess items, keeping tyres properly inflated and maintaining a steady speed all improve efficiency. Anticipating traffic conditions reduces the need for harsh braking and acceleration, while better journey planning – such as combining trips, avoiding detours and limiting idling – can further cut fuel use.

Drivers are also encouraged to shop around for fuel, using the AA App or other apps, as there can still be a noticeable gap between supermarket prices and other forecourts. For those regularly filling larger tanks, these differences can quickly add up.

The AA’s fuel-saving advice includes:
• Combining journeys to reduce unnecessary mileage
• Planning routes in advance to avoid congestion
• Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle
• Maintaining a steady speed
• Accelerating smoothly and braking progressively
• Leaving more space to anticipate traffic conditions
• Checking tyre pressures regularly
• Using air conditioning carefully where appropriate

Tony Rich, AA technical expert, said: “Diesel drivers, especially those running vans, are facing a significant rise in costs. With prices around 50p a litre higher than a year ago, filling up now costs about £40 more, which is a real challenge for those who rely on their vehicles every day.

“While drivers can’t control pump prices, they can reduce how much fuel they use. Smoother driving, lower speeds and better planning all help improve efficiency.

“Our expert patrols do all they can to keep commercial vehicle users moving, but drivers can also help themselves by adopting some simple measures. Removing unnecessary tools and equipment and making sure tyres are properly inflated can make a noticeable difference, not only to fuel consumption but to wear on tear on their trusty vehicles.

“It’s also worth checking prices before filling up. When costs are this high, combining efficient driving with finding better pump prices can help ease the impact.”