Record prices fuel tradesmen's fears

George Pendreigh has seen fuel costs double in five years

Yesterday, filling stations advertised diesel as high as 142.9p per litre - up from an average of 114.3p last March.

The price of unleaded petrol has also reached as high at 135.9p - 22p higher than the city average last year.

The motoring misery is detailed in the latest figures produced for the Evening News' Edinburgh Index.

The AA said many tradesmen and taxi drivers had told it they are operating their business at a loss in the hope that they can survive until prices drop.

Shell on Craigleith Road displayed 142.9p for diesel yesterday, believed to be the highest recorded in the city, while Jet on Barclay Place, the most expensive in the city for petrol, charged 140p for diesel.

Black cab drivers are now estimated to be paying 20-25 per week more to fill up their tank that they did last year, and double what they did five years ago. Filling up the average saloon car is estimated to leave families at least 10 worse off per week, and the recent 1p fuel duty drop has provided little respite.

George Pendreigh, 53, from Musselburgh, who has worked as a black cab driver since 1982, said: "Five years ago it was 78.9p. When I filled up today it was 142.9p at Shell on Craigleith Road.

"We pay double what we did five years ago and about a quarter more than we did last year.

"It used to be 60 to fill the tank last year, now it's more than 80.

"Along with the airport charge, it's had a huge impact on our trade. Even if we get a tariff rise passed by the council, you're still left in a difficult situation."

Luke Bosdet, spokesman for the AA, said the fuel duty decrease had been "wiped out" by recent price rises.

"As far as tradesmen go, we've heard anecdotally from many that they are in a very difficult position due to the dramatic rises in petrol and diesel.

"Many tradesmen, including taxi drivers and 'man and a van' firms, are undergoing an enormous squeeze due to the current situation and are hanging on, hoping for an improvement, and operating at a loss."Eventually many will have to fold if the situation continues, and it's very difficult to know how long it will go on for because it is linked to the situation in the Middle East.

"As far as families go, there will be many out there who have to seriously think whether can they afford to take their car on a journey."

David Lonsdale, assistant director of CBI Scotland said a record budget deficit and oil prices linked to international events would provide little respite for those reliant on oil for business.

He said: "It is a very difficult situation for trades at the moment, in particular because oil prices are linked to international events and fluctuations in the markets.

"Profit margins will be squeezed on these trades. Fuel costs will also affect those dependent on materials."

He added: "Given the state of public finances it is also unlikely that those businesses dependent on petrol can expect to see much relief in the near future, with further tax rises on the horizon."