Fuel cost soars to more than 115p

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15 March 2010 at 12:14

A 27% increase in the price of petrol over the last 12 months has left motorists paying more than 115p a litre, the RAC has said.

The figure represents a significant increase on last year's prices of 90.7p a litre, with the cost of filling a tank now £364 a year more expensive than in the previous 12 months.

The RAC said the problem was exacerbated by three tax rises, with a 1.84p fuel duty rise in April, a 2p rise in September and a VAT increase of 2.5% in January. A further rise in fuel duty of inflation plus 1p will be enforced on April 1.

RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: "The tough year for motorists continues unabated with petrol prices constantly spiralling upwards. The extra cost of filling up is making a huge dent in already-stretched family budgets.

"The Government needs to take a close look at the proposed fuel duty rise in April. When this was announced in last year's Budget, petrol prices were well below the £1 a litre mark."

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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HM Treasury - http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/

RAC Car insurance - http://www.rac.co.uk/insurance/car/