Petrol prices start to creep up in North East

The average price of petrol and diesel in the North East rose for the second consecutive month on July - adding nearly £2 to the cost of a filling up, according to new figures.

RAC Fuel Watch data for July shows the price of unleaded petrol in the region rose by an average of 3.8p a litre and diesel by 2.8p per litre over the month.

The motoring organisation says the rises came despite price of oil remaining stable throughout July and the wholesale price of petrol fell 2p across the month - signalling that retailers should be reducing their pump prices slightly in the next week or two.

At the big four supermarkets, the average price of a litre of petrol increased by 3.43p to 109.14p and diesel by 3.33p to 113.52p.

This means refuelling at supermarket is an average of 5p a litre cheaper for unleaded and 4.5p for diesel.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “The higher prices at the pump have been driven by the cost of oil increasing steadily.

"But drivers may well be given some respite as oil producers are planning on ramping up production despite the risk of renewed lockdowns around the world.

"This could easily lead to supply outstripping demand and therefore a reduction on the forecourts of the UK.

"As it there is some scope for retailers to already be reducing their prices.

"If they play fair with drivers we ought to see 2p a litre come off the price of unleaded.

"And nearer 4p come off diesel.”