Insolvencies spike in April as fuel costs bite

While the rate of insolvencies has slowed slightly, it remains too high and well above pre-pandemic levels. The numbers tell a sobering story: nearly 400 hauliers went out of business last year, with 470 the year before. So far this year, we are already sitting at around 150.

Higher interest rates, increased regulatory burdens, and rising running costs continue to make trading more expensive, sending many long-established firms to the wall. Sadly, insolvency levels may rise further as the impact of the Middle East conflict continues in the months ahead. Indeed, in April of this year, insolvencies spiked. They were up 22% on April 2025 and 63% on the month before. May stayed elevated too, 12% higher than May last year.

This spike tracks the fuel shock that followed the start of the conflict in the Middle East. Since February, average UK diesel has climbed from around 142p a litre to over 190p by late April. For a typical HGV, that's roughly £300 a week more per vehicle. That is simply unsustainable. Businesses in our space run on margins of around 2%. Fuel is a third of all costs. There is no room to absorb a hit like this.

HGV, coach and van operators are driving business on our roads every day. To keep the supply chain fluid and to continue delivering for people up and down the country, our key industry needs to see some tangible support from decision-makers. That's why we've called for sensible measures - such as an Essential User Rebate and an indefinite fuel duty freeze.

85% of Britain's goods move by road. The cost of further inaction is more jobs and businesses going to the wall in the months and years ahead.