Local motorists counting cost of rising oil prices

Date published: 04 January 2008

Local motorists are feeling the full force of rising oil prices and this echoes a national increase which has been highlighted by the AA.

The average price at the pumps, according to the AA, is now 103.3p per litre for petrol, beating the previous record of 102.92p set on Boxing Day.

A spokesman for the Texaco petrol station on Bury Road said: "We normally see a peak in prices around Christmas time and this year was no different. But it looks like prices are going to carry on going up now, rather than tail off like normal. I don't know if this will affect our sales: people will carry on driving so they will carry on needing fuel."

The AA says that the increase means that filling a typical 50 litre tank now costs £7.36 more than a year ago.

The AA’s public affairs head, Paul Watters, said: "The closure of superstores over Christmas — although many kept their petrol stations open — may account for the new record highs for fuel.

"However, with oil prices again rising above $95 a barrel, the start of the year shows little sign of relief for motorists.

"We had hoped that petrol and diesel prices had hit a plateau. If the new highs turn out to be blips, it will underline the importance of supermarkets in holding down the price of car fuels."