Frequently Asked Questions
The following list of questions explore some of the more detailed aspects of Fuel Cards. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact our Customer Service Desk on 0845 410 2222 or e-mail: custcare@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk
What is a fuel card?
A fuel card provides a cash-free way for company drivers to purchase fuel. A consolidated invoice shows full details of each transaction therefore giving control over fuel expenditure and providing useful management information to enable economies to be made and less time spent on administrative tasks.
How does a fuel card work?
The fuel card is similar to a commercial credit card. An account is set up complete with cards issued to an organisation via the card providers. Multiple accounts and cards can be issued to organisations. The driver simply goes to a filling station that accepts the card and fills up in the normal manner. Instead of paying by cash or other means he/she simply hands over the fuel card and once swiped and signed the transaction is complete.
What suppliers are currently on contract?
Currently OGCbuying.solutions have three suppliers on contract - Arval, Esso and BP. At present the Esso and BP contracts are only available within the NHS.
How much does it cost?
Cards are issued free of charge.
How will the card save me money?
The card can save money in a number of ways. They enable the collection of sophisticated management information to ensure that fuel is bought at the best prices. Consolidated invoices reduce the amount of administration involved both in the participating department and the finance department.
Where can the fuel cards be used?
At 95% of outlets. Please refer to the Fuel Card Supplier pages to access site locators.
What happens if I have several drivers for one vehicle?
Fuel card registration can allow access to the card to a number of drivers.
Can the card cope if we change vehicle frequently?
Yes. The card can be registered to one driver and is signature based, it can then be used to purchase fuel for any vehicle. This is particularly useful if a member of staff uses hire cars a lot. Reports can show the registration number of the vehicle for each purchase.
How do I go about getting a fuel card?
Step 1 – review how you currently buy fuel and where?
Step 2 – review which of our 3 supplier arrangement fits your likely usage best i.e do you need a go anywhere card (Arval) or will site mapping by BP and/or Esso offer sufficient coverage through a reduced network
Step 3 – look at petrol prices (see www.petrolprices.com or Arvals Fuel Price Locator http://online.arval.co.uk/ which will let you find lowest prices locally or in a region (including by supplier network)
Step 4 – Approach the appropriate supplier(s) – see below
If you approach the suppliers directly (contact details for Arval, BP and Esso are provided on the suppliers page on this website) with details of number of cards required and current spend or litres used they will guide you through the application process. Typically from filling in an application form to receipt of cards is 7~10 working days depending upon the organisation and the complexity of the organisations requirements.
Does the card allow for cars to go through the car wash?
Yes. Cards can be set up to allow cardholders to use car wash facilities.
What happens if I lose the card or if it is stolen?
Suppliers have dedicated lost/stolen cards hotline open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How long to replace lost cards?
Three working days.
Can the card be ordered and cancelled on-line? If yes - can they be sent to a different address?
Cards can be ordered and cancelled on-line and the fuel card companies would actively encourage organisations to utilise the on-line card ordering (e-update) facility.
Can shop goods be purchased on the cards?
No. Cards do not allow the purchase of shop goods.
Is there a large difference in prices between sites?
Yes, UK fuel prices can vary you up to 8p a litre between individual sites. Savings can easily be gained by practicing good fuel management.
Do I have to spend a minimum amount?
No.
