A Gloucestershire charity that provides essential transport for people with mobility issues says it must find an additional £20,000 annually to cope with skyrocketing fuel prices, forcing it to raise fares for the first time in years.
Sheppard House Health and Social Care, which operates a dial-a-ride service in Newent and surrounding Forest of Dean villages, has increased the cost of a return trip from £6 to £6.50. The charity describes the service as a "lifeline" for the community, but says the 35% surge in fuel costs has made the previous pricing "impossible" to sustain.
"Some costs we just have to pass on because the margins are so fine," said Lyndon Biddle from the charity. "This increase could be the difference between profit and loss for us."
Biddle explained that the charity has managed to hold its prices steady for several years, but the relentless climb in fuel expenses has finally pushed it over the edge. The organization now faces "extra pressure" to keep its fleet of minibuses running.
"Increasing the price is not something we do lightly," Biddle added. "Unfortunately, the fuel increase has tipped us over the edge."
The financial strain extends beyond the transport sector. Kirsty Scott, owner of Forest Friends eco store in Lydney, reported that costs for some imported herbs and spices have jumped by 30% overnight, forcing her to raise prices despite stagnant income.
"I do it for the love of it, I'm not doing it for income right now, unfortunately," Scott said, vowing to keep her shop open even as others in the area close.
According to Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, both petrol and diesel prices have now risen for 40 consecutive days—a record run for diesel since 2015. While he noted the rate of increase has slowed and prices may stabilize for unleaded fuel, the sustained climb has already delivered a significant blow to local services and businesses.
The situation highlights how global fuel price volatility is directly impacting community-based organizations that provide critical services to vulnerable populations.