The current instability of the energy market, together with geopolitical pressures and fiscal changes, is increasingly forcing transport companies to implement measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption. What was once an efficiency objective has now become a strategic direction for companies seeking to protect their margins and maintain their competitiveness.
Diesel prices are influenced by numerous factors that transport operators cannot control: international oil prices, refining costs, exchange rate fluctuations, taxes, excise duties, and the geopolitical situation. The data published through UNTRR’s Diesel Index highlights significant variations in diesel prices throughout 2026, confirming the difficulty of making stable long-term forecasts.
Under these conditions, companies cannot control the price paid at the pump, but they can control how fuel is used. Analysing driving style, idling time, braking, acceleration, and the use of the systems available on the truck can transform fuel consumption from a difficult-to-predict expense into an indicator that can be measured and optimised.
Fuel costs and the pressure on transport companies
In the case of a large fleet, the additional consumption generated by inefficient driving is not limited to just a few litres. It can turn into a significant operating cost borne by the company month after month.
The issue becomes even more important during periods when fuel prices are volatile. In the first half of 2026, prices in Romania generally remained below the European Union average, but the market was affected by the expiry of temporary measures regarding commercial mark-ups and diesel excise duties. The authorities continued to monitor price developments precisely because of the impact that these changes may have on consumers and companies.
At the European level, the European Commission publishes the prices of petroleum products in all Member States every week through the Weekly Oil Bulletin, providing a clear overview of the variations between countries and periods. For transport operators carrying out international journeys, these differences also influence refuelling planning and the calculation of the cost of each route.
Higher diesel expenses can have several effects on a transport company:
– reduced profit margins for journeys contracted at fixed rates;
– difficulties in estimating monthly and annual budgets;
– the need to renegotiate rates with customers;
– increased logistics costs for end customers;
– reduced competitiveness compared with operators that manage their fleets more efficiently;
– additional pressure on cash flow.
In a market where transport rates cannot always be adjusted immediately, every saving achieved at fleet level can directly contribute to protecting the company’s profitability.
Reducing consumption starts with driving style
The technical condition of the truck, the load, the route, weather conditions, and traffic all influence fuel consumption. However, one of the most important factors remains driver behaviour.
Two similar trucks travelling on comparable routes and carrying similar loads may record different fuel consumption levels. The difference may be caused by the way the vehicle is accelerated, the frequency of braking, traffic anticipation, the use of cruise control, idling time, or the improper use of engine speed.
Therefore, reducing fuel consumption cannot be achieved simply by setting a general consumption limit. Managers need detailed data showing why a particular truck or driver consumes more fuel and which behaviours need to be corrected.
Without access to this information, performance evaluation is based on estimates, general averages, or comparisons that do not take actual operating conditions into account.
An effective approach involves identifying the behaviours that generate losses and transforming them into clear, easy-to-monitor indicators. Drivers can therefore receive specific recommendations, while managers can monitor the development of results over time.
EcoDrive Score, the AROBS TrackGPS solution for economical driving
EcoDrive Score is the solution developed by AROBS TrackGPS to evaluate driver performance based on data recorded directly through the trucks’ FMS interface. It assesses a series of indicators that influence driving efficiency. Each parameter receives a positive or negative impact, and the system calculates an objective score for each driver.
The indicators that can be analysed include:
– engine idling time;
– braking frequency;
– cruise control usage;
– engine speed;
– use of the coasting function;
– use of the EcoRoll system;
– harsh braking.
The data is aggregated into an easy-to-follow interface and detailed reports that enable performance comparisons and trend identification. Managers can quickly see which drivers operate efficiently and where opportunities for improvement exist.
Through this approach, reducing fuel consumption becomes a process based on concrete information rather than assumptions.
From data to concrete actions
Simply collecting data does not automatically generate savings. The value of an analysis solution becomes apparent when the information is transformed into practical measures.
EcoDrive Score provides fleet managers with a detailed overview of how trucks are being driven. Based on the results, the company can organise training sessions tailored to the actual needs of its drivers.
For example, if the reports show that a driver spends too much time with the engine idling, the training can focus on managing stops. If another driver records a high number of braking or acceleration events, traffic anticipation and maintaining a constant speed can be analysed.
Instead of providing general training sessions that are identical for all drivers, the company can implement personalised programmes. Progress can subsequently be monitored through the scores and reports generated by the platform.
This approach helps develop an organisational culture focused on efficiency. Drivers gain a better understanding of how their behaviour influences costs, while performance can be evaluated based on transparent criteria.
The benefits of EcoDrive score for the company
The main objective of the solution is to support an economical driving style, but the benefits can extend beyond fuel consumption.
Better cost control
EcoDrive Score helps the company identify behaviours that generate additional consumption. Managers can intervene where losses occur and monitor whether the implemented measures produce results.
Objective driver evaluation
Performance is no longer analysed only through general comparisons between truck consumption levels. Each driver receives a score calculated based on indicators that are relevant to economical driving.
Personalised training
The reports show exactly which behaviours need to be improved. Training sessions can therefore focus on the actual issues identified in daily operations.
Reduced vehicle wear
A preventive and balanced driving style can help reduce strain on the engine, braking system, tyres, and other components. As a result, the company may also benefit from better-controlled maintenance costs.
Increased safety
Harsh braking, aggressive acceleration, and a lack of anticipation do not only influence fuel consumption, but also safety. Correcting these behaviours can reduce exposure to incidents and support a more responsible driving style.
Team motivation
The scores can be used to establish objectives, recognise progress, and develop internal reward programmes for drivers who achieve good results.
Reducing fuel consumption must be monitored continuously
Fuel consumption cannot be optimised through a single measure applied occasionally. The fleet, routes, loads, and driver team change, and performance must be monitored constantly.
Therefore, reducing fuel consumption should be treated as a continuous process consisting of several stages:
collecting data directly from the trucks;
evaluating the relevant indicators;
identifying inefficient behaviours;
training drivers;
setting realistic objectives;
measuring progress;
adjusting measures based on the results.
EcoDrive Score supports all these stages by centralising information and transforming it into an easy-to-monitor score.
At the same time, managers can compare results between drivers, vehicles, and periods. This allows them to identify whether an increase in fuel consumption is caused by driving style, certain operating conditions, or potential technical issues.
A competitive advantage in a market with volatile prices
In the transport industry, costs cannot always be passed on to the customer immediately. Long-term contracts, competition, and pressure on rates limit the possibility of adjusting prices quickly.
For this reason, companies that manage to control their internal expenses have an important advantage. Reducing fuel consumption can help maintain competitive rates without profitability being affected to the same extent by diesel price fluctuations.
Moreover, a company that monitors its drivers and vehicles based on data can make faster decisions. It can identify losses before they become recurring costs and intervene through training, maintenance, or operational reorganisation.
The digitalisation of fleet management does not only mean locating trucks. It means using data to improve every component of operations, from route planning to driving style.
Fuel prices will continue to be influenced by economic, fiscal, and geopolitical factors that transport companies cannot control. However, the way fuel is used within the fleet can be analysed and optimised.
At a time when saving every litre of fuel can make a difference, reducing fuel consumption is one of the most accessible and effective ways to protect profitability. With EcoDrive Score, transport companies can move from simple estimates to data-driven decisions and build a more efficient, safer, and more competitive fleet. Contact us now for a personalised offer!
