What expense category does fuel come under?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the specific business and their accounting practices. However, there are a few common expense categories that fuel may fall under, which are discussed below.

Fuel as a Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

For businesses that sell products or goods, fuel may be considered a cost of goods sold (COGS). This is because fuel is often used in the production or transportation of the goods being sold. For example, if you run a bakery and use a delivery van to transport your baked goods to customers, the fuel used for this delivery would be considered a COGS. The same would apply if you run a manufacturing business and use fuel to power your machinery.

Fuel as an Operating Expense

Another common way that businesses account for fuel is as an operating expense. This is because fuel is often used to power vehicles or machinery that is used for business purposes. For example, if you have a company car that you use for business travel, the fuel used for this car would be considered an operating expense. The same would apply if you have a fleet of vehicles for your business, such as delivery trucks or taxis.

Fuel as a General Expense

Another possibility is that fuel could be considered a general expense. This is because fuel is often used for both business and personal purposes. For example, if you have a company car that you use for both business and personal travel, the fuel used for this car would be considered a general expense. The same would apply if you have a personal vehicle that you sometimes use for business purposes.

Which Expense Category is Right for Your Business?

As you can see, there is no single answer to this question. The correct expense category for fuel will depend on the specific business and their accounting practices. If you are unsure which category is right for your business, we recommend speaking to your accountant or financial advisor.