Pump prices up 20 per cent in a year
Diesel has reached its most expensive price in more than two years.
On Friday UK motorists were paying an average of 122.1 pence per litre for diesel, which is the highest since December 2014, RAC Foundation figures show.
Petrol pump prices were 119.7 pence per litre on the same day.
Wholesale prices have levelled off in recent weeks, leading to hopes that there will soon be some respite for drivers.
RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: “Fuel prices have been rising steadily on the back of a doubling of the cost of crude oil over the past year, caused in large part by the collapse in value of sterling against the dollar.
“For drivers this means the cost of filling up with petrol has risen around £10 a tank in just 12 months and £12 a tank for diesel.
“Things could have been worse still. The relatively mild winter across much of Europe has depressed demand for heating oil which is closely related to diesel. That’s why the wholesale price of diesel is currently about the same as petrol.
“The biggest influence on pump prices remains the Chancellor. Despite the continued fuel duty freeze, he still takes two-thirds of the pump price in tax.”
ENDS
Contact:
Philip Gomm – Head of External Communications – RAC Foundation
[email protected] | 020 7747 3445 | 07711 776448 | 020 7389 0601 (ISDN)
Notes to editors:
The RAC Foundation is a transport policy and research organisation that explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and their users.
The Foundation publishes independent and authoritative research with which it promotes informed debate and advocates policy in the interest of the responsible motorist. All the Foundation’s work is available at: www.racfoundation.org