Escalating fuel prices forcing motorists off roads (From York Press)

Escalating fuel prices forcing motorists off roads

10:04am Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

THE cost of fuel at York filling stations is running close to record levels, as new evidence emerges that escalating prices are driving motorists off the roads.

A survey by The Press has shown forecourts are charging at least 135.7 pence a litre for unleaded petrol, and 139.7 pence for diesel – equal to more than £6 a gallon.

It emerged yesterday that British motorists bought two billion fewer litres of fuel in the first half of 2012 than they did in the same period in 2008, before the recession. The RAC said motorists were driving less because of escalating costs.

Technical director David Bizley said research had found a steady reduction in the number of discretionary journeys people were making, and people were buying smaller vehicles and driving in a more fuel efficient way.

He warned the planned 3p a litre rise in fuel duty planned for January could be the “final straw” for Britain’s motorists and this was bad news for the Treasury, as it meant less money was being collected in duty.

Asda claimed its store at Monks Cross currently had the cheapest fuel in York, following price cuts last week. A spokesman said it was charging 135.7p for unleaded petrol, and 139.7p for diesel, with other petrol suppliers charging 135.9p and 139.9p or more.

Morrisons in Foss Islands Road was charging 135.9p a litre for unleaded, and 139.9p for diesel. A spokesman said the price had been reduced slightly in response to reductions in the wholesale price, and customers could get discounts on the price through loyalty schemes.

Tesco said both its Askham Bar and Clifton Moor stores were selling unleaded for 136.9p and 140.9p for diesel.

Sainsbury said its Monks Cross store was selling petrol for 135.9p a litre and diesel for 139.9p. A spokesman said: “We review our petrol and diesel prices regularly to ensure we always provide customers with great value.”

The Jet garage in Lawrence Street was selling unleaded for137.9p and diesel for 142.9p, while at the nearby Shell garage, unleaded was selling for 136.9p and 142.9p.

In August last year, a Press survey showed some York forecourts were selling petrol for below 132p a litre, which equated to £6 a gallon.