Scottish motorists squeezed as diesel tops 143p per litre

By ALASTAIR DALTON
Published on 17/02/2012 00:00

FUEL price pain is intensifying for drivers as diesel nears its all-time record, new figures show today.

Pump prices have increased by nearly 1p a litre since January to a UK average of 142.8p – just below the 143.04p high last May.

The Automobile Association’s latest monthly report also found Scotland remained one of the most expensive areas for diesel, where it averaged 143.1p.

The report showed petrol prices increased even faster than diesel, by nearly 1.5p, but remain almost 2.5p off the record, at 135p. north of the Border, the average petrol price was lower, at 134.6p.

The figures, compiled from prices on Monday, found Asda was the cheapest place to buy fuel, with diesel averaging 139.81p and petrol 131.88p.

AA president Edmund King said: “The UK’s rate of inflation may have fallen but that comes as cold comfort for consumers and businesses that depend on their vehicles and see pump prices nearing last year’s records.

“The fact is that, in a period of stagnant wages, petrol costs 23p a litre more and diesel 29p a litre more than in February 2010, when fuel price rises picked up pace.

Philip Gomm, of the Royal Automobile Club Foundation, said: “Uncertainty home and abroad is doing nothing to ease drivers’ financial pain.

“With still no guarantee as to the long-term future of the Coryton oil refinery [in Essex] and Iran’s grandstanding pushing up crude prices, few cash-strapped motorists will be betting against diesel soon hitting an all-time high.”

Neil Greig, policy and research director of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “Scotland still has low-price hotspots where supermarkets are competing.

“Tesco are also offering 10p off per litre if you spend a certain amount, so it is well worth drivers keeping an eye on these ever-changing deals.”

However, Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy for environmental campaigners WWF Scotland said: “The continuing increase in fuel prices reinforces the need for the [Scottish] Government to invest more in alternatives, such as walking, cycling and electric vehicles.

“Despite a small increase in funding for active travel announced in the recent budget, it is a drop in the ocean compared to the money being ploughed into building new roads. We need sustainable alternatives.”