Motorists are being ‘shockingly shortchanged’ on the pumps as figures confirmed filling stations are charging a number of the highest costs and margins in Europe.
For each petrol and diesel, the price of the gasoline itself plus the retailer’s margin is the joint fifth-highest of 28 European nations, a examine by the RAC has discovered.
In the meantime, Britain has solely the eighth highest complete for gasoline tax on unleaded, whereas the 20p per litre VAT price is just the seventeenth highest in contrast with the 27 European Union member states.
Motorists are being ‘shockingly shortchanged’ on the pumps as figures confirmed filling stations are charging a number of the highest costs and margins in Europe
General, Britain had the fourth most costly petrol, averaging 153p per litre on December 19, and the second priciest diesel at 176p per litre.
Petrol costs are a lot decrease in lots of main European international locations, together with France, Spain and Italy.
In Luxembourg, it averages 128p per litre, and Bulgaria fees 112p. Malta has the most cost effective diesel at 106p per litre, whereas Portugal is 140p.
The figures had been revealed as Enterprise Secretary Grant Shapps wrote to retailers urging them to offer motorists a good deal on gasoline or face potential state intervention.
He mentioned he ‘is not going to hesitate to behave to make sure competitors is wholesome and customers get a good deal on their gasoline’.
Tory MP and transport choose committee member Greg Smith mentioned gasoline retailers are ‘taking British motorists for mugs’ and are ‘fleecing’ drivers every day.
Final week, the RAC {accused} the large 4 supermarkets of ‘heartless overcharging’ by failing to cross on falls in wholesale gasoline costs, now on the similar stage as 2021 after spiking within the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gas obligation was reduce by 5p a litre in March. Some small garages in rural areas are charging a lot decrease costs than supermarkets regardless of going through increased operating prices.
RAC gasoline spokesman Simon Williams mentioned: ‘Drivers are being shockingly shortchanged by a number of the largest retailers.
‘The wholesale worth of petrol has fallen by 23p a litre since late October but the common pump worth within the UK has solely come down by 14p.
For each petrol and diesel, the price of the gasoline itself plus the retailer’s margin in Britain is the joint fifth-highest of 28 European nations, a examine by the RAC has discovered
‘We have now the fourth most costly petrol in Europe at 153p a litre in comparison with the common on the continent of 143p.
‘Drivers will little question be totally shocked to seek out out simply how low-cost gasoline is in many of the remainder of Europe.
‘It’s plain to see that gasoline within the UK shouldn’t be as costly as it’s. Most notably, France’s petrol is 8p a litre cheaper than ours at 145p regardless of their obligation being 60p a litre in comparison with our decreased price of 53p.’
He added: ‘We’ve been calling on the large 4 supermarkets to chop costs for weeks as a consequence of falling wholesale costs. Thus far, they’ve flatly refused to do the best factor.’
The Competitors and Markets Authority, which regulates the market, is investigating pricing and is to report again within the spring.
Earlier this month, it mentioned it discovered proof costs shot up every time wholesale costs rose, however solely fell again slowly when wholesale costs subsided.
Diesel is 27p dearer than 12 months in the past, with petrol up 7p. Filling a 55-litre diesel tank now usually prices £97 – £15 greater than final yr.
RAC evaluation suggests petrol needs to be 15p a litre cheaper.
Gordon Balmer, of the Petrol Retailers’ Affiliation, mentioned: ‘My recommendation to motorists is to buy round.’
The British Retail Consortium, representing main supermarkets, mentioned costs had fallen extra slowly as a result of they place long-term orders for gasoline that means modifications in pricing take longer to have an impact.
