Fuel prices challenging small businesses in Norfolk
Prices have fallen for the second month but some say it's still too expensive
Fuel prices have fallen for the second month but it's still too expensive for some small businesses in Norfolk.
At the end of June the average price of petrol across the UK was just under 145p a litre and 150p for diesel – meaning it now costs around £80 to fill up a 55-litre family car with Petrol and almost £83 for a diesel equivalent.
TLC Driving in the North Norfolk had to look at their pricing structure due to the increase in cost. Co owner Tony Toynton said:
"Prices as they are at the moment remain steady, but you're always looking for that next increase making it hard to forecast future costings. Oil prices also effect day to day costs such as tyres and servicing"
"The fluctuation of fuel prices have a weekly effect on our running costs, especially being based in North Norfolk with higher fuel costs than the city."
Drivers in Northern Ireland seem to be getting a better deal at the pumps as a litre of petrol sells for around 4.5p cheaper than the UK average with Diesel 8p less than the UK-wide price.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
“While it’s good news prices at the pumps have fallen for the second month in a row, this also leaves a bad taste in the mouth because we know drivers in Great Britain are continuing to get a raw deal as both petrol and diesel are still much more expensive than in Northern Ireland.
“This month’s Fuel Watch report also reveals just how expensive fuel is when bought at forecourts owned and run by oil giants Shell and BP. We remain baffled how the very same fuel can be sold for such vastly different prices by the biggest retailers, whether they’re run by supermarkets or the world’s largest oil companies.
“It’s also the case that while oil has increased from under $80 at the start of June to the mid-$80s by the end, wholesale costs are still low enough to merit cheaper prices at the pumps. Looking at the fairer average prices charged in Northern Ireland, petrol should be 4.5p lower across England, Scotland and Wales and diesel should be a whole 8p less.
“We will continue to highlight this disparity, along with the massive differences between major retailers’ high and low prices, to the new government and the Competition and Markets Authority with a view to them being addressed by the new Pumpwatch scheme when it is up and running."
Petrol bought at the 535 sites run by oil giant Shell is the most expensive in the UK with BP-operated forecourts are not far behind. Shell also has the highest average for diesel.