Motorists ‘still get a raw deal at pumps, despite cheaper oil’
DRIVERs of petrol vehicles are getting a ‘ raw deal’ at the pumps despite falling oil prices, the RAC warned yesterday.
It said that even though average forecourt prices sank to 169.8p a litre at the end of August, current wholesale costs mean they should be around 161p.
The 12.3p drop in average prices during August was the largest monthly fall since records began 22 years ago. But the RAC said it was not enough.
However, the average price of diesel at the end of August was 183.7p, which the motoring group described as a ‘fairer reflection of wholesale costs’.
spokesman Rod Dennis added: ‘Twelve pence a litre is a lot to come off prices in a single month, so there’s no doubt things could be worse.
‘But in reality, drivers of petrol vehicles are still invariably getting a raw deal at the pumps. Major retailers are choosing not to pass on in full the reductions in the wholesale price of unleaded they’ve been benefiting from for some considerable time.
‘There is a very strong case for the biggest sellers of fuel to cut their forecourt petrol prices further.
‘Allowing for a generous 10p-a-litre margin, we should be seeing petrol sold for around 161p a litre. some big supermarket sites aren’t too far off this – but there’s a real postcode lottery, with prices varying wildly. Drivers must shop around for the best deal.’
A review by the Competition and Markets Authority found that the growing cost of oil refining was one of the main causes of soaring fuel prices this year. It said this figure had more than tripled in 12 months to nearly 35p a litre. The RAC fears that could soon rise again if Opec, the organisation representing many of the biggest oil producing nations, cuts production when it meets next week.
The pound also had its worst performance against the Us dollar last month since October 2016, with £1 worth just $1.16 by August 31. With oil traded in dollars, this makes it more expensive for Britain to buy oil.
Analysis by the RAC in August also revealed that the British Government was one of the least generous when it came to helping drivers cope with high petrol and diesel prices.
For example, France increased its discount on fuel on september 1, pushing pump prices below £1.50 a litre across the country.
Mr Dennis urged the incoming prime minister to cut fuel duty, adding: ‘Fuel can make up a huge chunk of a household’s monthly expenditure. With many people dependent on the car, drivers need all the help they can get.’
‘Huge household expenditure’