Farmers and the road freight industry are ringing the alarm bells over the rocketing price of diesel, coupled with the limited supply in some areas as a result. Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), noted that the road freight industry was hit with an immediate increase of 32.5% in the cost of diesel at the beginning of April. Diesel is one of the largest expenses for transport operators, making up between 35% and 55% of total operating costs depending on the type of vehicle and routes used. As a result, a sudden increase has a direct impact on margins. The price hike is placing a strain on cash flow. Transport companies typically pay for fuel upfront, while payments from clients can take weeks or months. This creates a funding gap that businesses must manage through reserves or credit. Kelly said access to working capital has become a key concern, particularly for smaller operators. Companies without sufficient financial buffers are more vulnerable to cost ...