Drivers are being warned that petrol prices are set to rise above 150p a liter for the first time in four months – just in time to sting Brits planning trips over the Easter long weekend.
A rise in the price of oil is expected to trigger a rise in costs at petrol stations, according to the AA, with some non-motorway forecourts already charging 149.9p a liter for unleaded.
With around 15 million car journeys expected per day between Good Friday and Easter Monday a week from now, motorists can expect their getaways to become slightly more expensive due to rising fuel prices.
Could rising fuel prices put a damper on your Easter getaway? The AA says many off-motorway service stations could charge petrol more than 150p a liter by next weekend.
On Tuesday, the average pump price of petrol reached 145.35 pence per liter and that of diesel is now 153.24 pence. However, the AA says a big increase could be imminent.
The AA’s latest report on fuel prices revealed that information registered with the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) transparency system shows petrol pump prices of 149.9 pa liter or more appear on major non-motorway roads and on oil company forecourts.
Ironically, the increase in the price of road fuels will coincide with a drop in the ceiling price of electricity planned for April 1, which will benefit electric vehicle (EV) owners, but even more so those who charge at home, the tariffs Higher charging rates should not occur. fall so quickly.
On Tuesday, the average pump price of petrol reached 145.35 pence per liter and that of diesel is now 153.24 pence.
However, the AA says a big increase could be imminent.
This is because the price of oil took off towards the end of last week, rising to around $87 per barrel.
That pushed the wholesale price of gasoline to a level last seen in October.
“The hope is that, as is the case with many oil and fuel price increases, they will subside. But, with the US motoring season approaching and its increased demand for petrol, the odds are currently stacked against the British car owner,” says the AA.
Pump prices this week, compared to a month ago, are up 1.75 pence for petrol and 1.28 pence for diesel.
As is traditionally the case, forecourts supplied by oil companies are ahead of supermarkets in passing on the higher costs.
A rise in the price of oil is expected to trigger a rise in costs at petrol stations, according to the AA, with some non-motorway forecourts already charging 149.9p a liter for unleaded petrol.
CMA data shows that almost 140 petrol stations owned by oil companies hover around 150p a liter for petrol, currently charging 149.9p.
In contrast, supermarkets remain slightly down as they tend to take longer to pass on higher wholesale costs.
Comparing prices to last Easter, gasoline is on average around 1.5 liters cheaper. Diesel is generally 9p a liter cheaper than in 2023.
Last year, some 15 million road journeys were expected per day over the Easter holidays, although the AA estimates there could be fewer in 2024 due to forecast cooler temperatures.
An earlier – and cooler – Easter will “count against long car journeys over the bank holiday”, although the motoring organization says drivers can still be stung by above-average prices if they choose the wrong ones forecourt.
Last year, some 15 million road journeys were expected per day over the Easter holidays, although the AA estimates there could be fewer in 2024 due to forecast cooler temperatures.
AA fuel prices spokesman Luke Bosdet said: “Although the average price of petrol at the pump is far from the 150p per liter mark, the likelihood of going to a square and being confronted with it increases every day. This is especially true along major non-motorway routes.
“On the motorways, petrol at around 170p a liter is common and should come as no surprise.”
He added: “It is hoped that the recent rise in oil prices will subside with market volatility. However, increased demand for gasoline heading into summer will maintain pressure for higher costs.
“Better energy efficiency at the end of winter, thanks to less stressed car engines, will offset part of this impact on consumers.”
“A cooler Easter will allow many travelers to stay closer to home and be able to benefit from lower pump prices in supermarkets. For those traveling further afield, petrol at 150p a liter or more, even on non-motorway routes, will put them off.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said he does not expect petrol to rise above 150p a liter by Easter, but he says the average cost of fuel is likely to rise.
“Wholesale gasoline prices have increased in recent weeks and since this usually takes a few days to be reflected in prices at the pump, it is likely that we will see the cost of filling up increase,” he told us. declared.
“Petrol may not reach 150p a liter by Easter, but anyone delaying a trip to the garage in the hope of prices dropping for the bank holiday weekend looks set to be disappointed.”
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