Drivers continue to be overcharged at the pumps

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

Filling up with petrol

This Christmas is set to be the most expensive ever on the roads with petrol and diesel both at record highs for the festive period.

Petrol is currently being sold for an average of 152.96p a litre which is 7p more than it was on 22 December 2021 (145.66p), according to the RAC.

Diesel, however, is a shocking 27p more expensive on the nation’s forecourts than it was a year ago (148.95p) at 175.75p, which was previously the most expensive Christmas ever for drivers.

A tank of petrol for a family driving to see family and friends now costs nearly £4 more at £84 than it did last Christmas (£80). For those travelling in diesel cars it’s even worse with a fill-up now costing nearly £97 – almost £15 more than last year (£82).

But disturbingly, this Christmas should not be hurting drivers’ pockets as much as it is as the wholesale price of petrol has now fallen to just 106p a litre – the same price it was this time last year.

And even more worryingly, this year’s price includes the Government’s 5p fuel duty discount which was introduced in March to ease the pain of rising fuel prices caused by Russia invading Ukraine.

The wholesale price of diesel has dropped to 126p a litre which is only 14p more expensive than just before last Christmas (112p).

The RAC calculates that the average price of petrol should be around 138p – 15p cheaper than it actually is, and that diesel should be around 160p a litre – 13p cheaper than it is now.

“The big four supermarkets, which dominate UK fuel retailing, have robustly refused to significantly lower their forecourt prices to reflect what’s happened with the substantial reduction in the price of wholesale fuel that they are enjoying,” said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams.

“We now have a bizarre situation where many smaller independent retailers are charging far less for their fuel than the supermarkets.”

“We urge the supermarkets to properly cut their petrol and diesel prices to give drivers the Christmas present they deserve.”

Check Also


Driving a car

Biggest Christmas travel bugbears revealed

One in six people have bickered with their partner about who will be the designated …

Biggest Christmas travel bugbears revealed

Gareth Herincx

16 hours ago
Auto News

Driving a car

One in six people have bickered with their partner about who will be the designated driver over the festive period, according to a new survey.

A poll of 2,000 drivers has found that other Christmas gripes include backseat drivers, leaving for events on time, and frustration at attempting to successfully follow directions.

Trying to concentrate when driving in poor weather and who gets lumbered with filling up the vehicle with fuel or charging can also prove divisive.

In response, heycar, which commissioned the study, has launched the ‘Pre-Sup’ – a downloadable agreement committing couples to do their fair share of driving during the holidays.

Visiting loved ones emerged as the top reason to hop in the car this Yuletide, followed by Christmas shopping, and festive activities such as ice skating.

Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.

A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.

But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.

And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.

Motorists’ strong desire to reunite with loved ones will see them drive an average of 92 miles over the holidays.

A total of 44 miles will be covered just to find that perfect gift, and 33 miles will be totted up gathering provisions for Christmas dinner.

But 75 per cent believe their car is essential in ensuring their Christmas plans go ahead smoothly.

And with planned rail strikes in December, festive motorists seem unfazed despite the potential for increased traffic, as 68 per cent expect to drive as much as they do every Christmas.

Check Also


Dogs are more relaxed in electric cars than diesel cars, research finds

Dogs ‘prefer electric cars to diesel ones’

Dogs are more relaxed in electric cars than diesel cars, new research claims. Online vehicle …

Driving home for Christmas? Survey reveals your travel plans

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

2022 Honda Civic e.HEV

More than three quarters of Brits will be relying on their car over the festive period, according to new research from Honda UK.

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that the most common number of trips we’re planning on making is between four and six (35%), covering a distance of less than 50 miles (29%).

People in Northern Ireland will be most reliant on a car over the Christmas and New Year (94%), followed by folk in the East Midlands, the South West, and Yorkshire and the Humber (each 85%). Those in London are set to be the least reliant on a car, with just 28% hitting the road over the festive period.

The research suggests that people prefer to travel with company as more than two thirds (70%) are joined in the car by a partner, friend and or child/children, while just 11% of those surveyed will be travelling alone over the festive period.

Christmas and the New Year are a time for families to come together and celebrate, with presents, food and beverages. But first, you have to get it all in the car. The below table reveals the most popular things to travel with.

Travelling With: Percentage Of Surveyed Brits
Presents 64%
Food 47%
Shopping 47%
Alcohol 37%
Pets 24%

In keeping with the festive season, more than a quarter of people will be listening to a Christmas playlist (26%) while on the road. Gen Z is most likely to enjoy a festive soundtrack for their car journeys, with more than half of 18-24s (52%) listening to a Christmas playlist.

A surprising number of survey respondents (14%) admitted to arguing with family whilst travelling at Christmas time.

The top five passenger activities are as follows:

Passenger Activities Percentage Of Surveyed Brits
Listening to the radio 60%
Listening to a Christmas playlist 26%
Listening to a streaming service 24%
Arguing with the family 14%
Playing car games 9%

Check Also


Dogs are more relaxed in electric cars than diesel cars, research finds

Dogs ‘prefer electric cars to diesel ones’

Dogs are more relaxed in electric cars than diesel cars, new research claims. Online vehicle …

MINI trips the festive light fantastic

Gareth Herincx

4 days ago
Auto News

Festive MINI Electric Tour

A MINI Electric, wrapped in 2,000 smart LED lights by Twinkly, is starting a five-week tour to spread Christmas cheer and raise money for three charities.

Lighting the way after the Festive MINI Electric’s first public appearance at The Lexicon Bracknell in Berkshire, on the 25th November, the car will travel to various locations around the UK, driven by project creator Nicholas ‘Nico’ Martin.

The project started more than three years ago, with Nico hand-wrapping his MINI in fairy-lights and displaying it in his local town of Bracknell.

However, in December 2020, without the usual Christmas switch-on displays delivering much-needed festive spirit, Nico realised he could use the Festive MINI to bring joy and positivity to people on their own doorsteps, whilst also raising awareness and more than £5,000 for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK, two charities very close to his heart.

“I’m so pleased to be back with the Festive MINI charity tour,” said Nico. “Both charities mean a lot to me – unfortunately my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis six years ago, and in 2019 I was asked to take the Festive MINI to surprise an incredible young boy, Marcus Rooks, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“When I saw his face light up with so much joy and excitement, I realised that I had created something truly special. Ever since meeting him and learning about his condition, I’ve wanted to support him in any way I can.”

This year, Nico has introduced a guest charity spot taken up by Alzheimer’s Society and he has rallied support from MINI UK, Festive Lights and Italian smart lighting company Twinkly, to up the voltage on his project and make it bigger and better than ever.

Check Also


Cupra Formentor review

Cupra Formentor review

You’ve got to hand it to Cupra, SEAT’s sporty spin-off brand. To take a generic …