The International Road Transport Union IRU is calling for targeted support for transport companies. In a letter to the EU Commission, the focus is on cost pressures resulting from high diesel prices. This demand represents a political initiative by the association. It does not, however, establish a new claim for payment to fleet operators.
The situation on the fuel market remains tense. On October 22, the EU Commission announced following consultations of its Oil Coordination Group that diesel and jet fuel are in tight supply. However, it did not identify an actual supply shortage in Europe at that time.
For transporters, these represent two different problems. High purchase prices burden the calculation of every tour. A fuel shortage, on the other hand, would jeopardize the execution itself. In price negotiations, it should therefore remain clear which cost burden is currently being passed on.
Operators can now review whether their agreed diesel surcharge still reflects actual fuel purchases. The price index used, the reference month, and the adjustment interval are particularly important. Those waiting weeks for a new invoice must bear the additional costs themselves in the interim. Therefore, a binding transport quotation should not be based on state aid that has not yet been approved. For shippers, a transparent calculation with a clearly defined validity period is required.