Crude and it’s distillates (Unleaded & Diesel to us) have been falling of late.
Crude has hit a 16 month low as of today.
Factors in the fall are:-
(1) China buying less on the open market, because of a huge trade deal done with Russia recently.
(2) An independent Scotland would be selling off it’s oil on the cheap, as an alternative to raising taxes. “Anticipated Market Overhang” depresses prices, especially in the short term.
(3) Tensions in the middle east seem less important of late. America seems poised to attack ISIS regardless of international opinion against such an attack.
“We don’t give a ■■■■ what the middle east thinks” removes an upward pressure on the crude complex - for now.
(4) The dollar has been strengthening in recent weeks. When the dollar rises, any falls in the price of crude (since it’s priced in dollars) are cushioned, which gives the lower price less requirement for it to “bounce back” as markets have a tendency to do otherwise.
Now, I realise that most drivers out there don’t give a ■■■■ about what happens on the markets - but it IS relevent to us right now as professional drivers - because another mainstay of low wages is now in the process of being removed!
Wages are low we’re told because:-
(a) we’re told there’s too many drivers - No longer true as of this week.
(b) The price of fuel is too high, and the transport firm has to make it’s savings somewhere else to remain competetive - an argument that is unravelling as we speak.
Well folks, if I’ve got the choice of working for the firm that wishes to remain competetive, or the one that pays a significantly higher hourly rate - guess where I’m off to as a mobile worker used to upping sticks and moving on? 
The astute transport firm is going to look at ways in which to factor a cheapening fuel price into “a better deal for all” in it’s business practices.
The worst that can happen - is that the large company - too large to care that is - lets it all go down the drain in “waste”.
Spilt loads, fresh air collections, too much staff sickness, not opening up new yards in high-unemployment areas, overpaying taxes from poor revenue protection, paying their board too much… The list goes on and on.
I think it’s already been said on this board - “who’s gonna blink first”?
