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Llanelli-based Owens Road Services is considering increasing its use of biodiesel after its fuel bills hit £1m a month. The operator currently runs 5% biodiesel, but is investigating whether it can run a 10% or 20% mix. Environmental and legislation manager Ian Jarman says the investigations are at a very early stage, but the company has a lot to play for - fuel bills have gone up by 20% since the beginning  of the year.

"We are speaking to the vehicle manufacturers to see what we need to change and we're speaking to the fuel suppliers and refineries about the costs," he adds. However, Jarman still has some questions about the use of biodiesel: "For example, we've been told the filters need changing every 1,000km, but as our trucks work 24 hours a day in three shifts they would do that in less than 24 hours."

The potential saving is significant: "If we could save even 2p/lit that would save up £20,000 a month and that is a saving we can't ignore."