Warning over Bay's rising petrol prices
BAY motorists are preparing for a rise in petrol prices.
Motoring organisation AA predict petrol prices could hit a record average high of £1.20 a litre in the next few weeks.
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It is because of a planned 3p rise in petrol duty on April 1 on top of high wholesale prices for fuel.
According to website petrolprices.co.uk South Devon has below average fuel prices.
It shows that the average price for unleaded fuel in Torbay on Monday was 114.8p per litre — below the 116.1p national average.
But independent retailers are having to charge a higher price because it cannot buy its fuel in bulk.
And South West garages only have one supplier in Plymouth.
At Hele Cross petrol station, owner James Prescott was told last week by BP bosses to increase unleaded and diesel prices by 2p per litre to 116p. It is to meet rising wholesale costs.
Mr Prescott said that duty increase would be terrible for motorists.
"It is unfortunate that the duty increase is on the horizon.
"Personally, I just hope that Gordon Brown, if he is desperate for votes in the General Election, will take this opportunity to hold off on a duty increase."
Motorists are reporting price hikes across Torbay.
At Watcombe service station, prices have risen from 117.9p to 119.9p per litre.
The AA is urging Chancellor, Alistair Darling to postpone the introduction of a planned rise due to come in on 1 April.
AA president Edmund King said: "We all know government finances are in dire straits but a 3p rise in fuel duty is not good for the economy and could fuel inflation."
He said that the cost of wholesale petrol had risen by 17 per cent in the past month, and this had not yet been passed on fully at the pumps.
He warned that the average price of petrol could hit £1.20 before 1 April in some areas.
The AA said families now paid £52 a month more on petrol than a year ago.
5 Comments
by FED UP, PAIGNTON
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 8:41PM
“Despite getting a petrol allowance as a home help this rise is going to cripple me between wear and tear on my car the petrol allowance unfortunately does not anywhere cover my petrol for the month. but I dont blame my bosses I am seroius doubts wether I can keep going Give us a break for goodness sake its beyonde a joke Oh and for those saying get a more economical car I would if I could afford it.”
by Aaron Pearce, Newton Abbot
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 5:22PM
“Why do they have to take extra duty as an amount? Surely the VAT is fixed as a percentage and duty should be the same? How long before Gordon Bennett realises he is driving (pun intended) the country into the ground?”
by Lee Budd, Torquay
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 3:40PM
“The price of fuel in this country is an absolute disgrace! How can the government justify further tax hikes on fuel when we are already paying one of the highest rates in the world. At the current rate of increase we will be paying £2 a litre by the end of the year. When will the government realise that to many people, particularly those on low incomes, a car is a necessity, not a luxury!!!!!!”
by Loon, Torbay
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 2:52PM
“If the government abolished duty on fuel tommorrow, just how much do you think the price of petrol would drop? And how long do you think it would be before prices rose to their current levels? Remember, oil companies are not exactly known for slim profits...”
by Richard, newton abbot
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:13PM
“If petrol prices are going to consistantly rise like this, then isnt it about time Road Tax was abolished.
Surely just taxing us on fuel would make more sense anyway, after all those who do little to no mileage would pay little to no tax, but those who do thousands of a miles a month will pay more.
Either way I think the amount of "duty" the government put on fuel is appauling and is day light robbery!
For the average Torbay family a few pence here and there makes a huge difference, doubt the fat cats on £100k salaries in there 5 litre v8 4x4's care about 2-3p per litre at all.”