Motorists in Rugby, Warwickshire, could pay almost £20 more to fill their cars depending on which forecourt they choose, as petrol prices range from 169.9p to 199.9p per litre for unleaded. The 30p-per-litre difference, uncovered by British Fuel Prices, means drivers with a large family car could face a significant extra cost at the pump.
Price gap revealed
Texaco is the cheapest place for locals to fill their car, charging 169.9p a litre for petrol and 196.9p for diesel. Just a few miles away, a BP station is charging 199.9p a litre for petrol and 219.9p for diesel.
Residents have slammed the disparity in pricing as "unfair". One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It’s a rip off and I feel it’s unfair we’re victims of what is just a petrol postcode lottery."
Record diesel prices
It comes as diesel prices hit an all-time high in the UK, according to an update by motoring organisation RAC on September 28. Diesel prices averaged 199.33p per litre, while rising petrol prices have reached 174.23p, as the war in the Middle East continues to push up the cost of fuel.
The cost of fuel has soared due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which was triggered in February when the US and Israel launch a coordinated strikes on the country. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a major trade passage, have impacted the flow of both crude oil and refined diesel onto global markets.
UK exposure
The RAC said diesel prices had entered "uncharted territory" and served as a reminder of "just how exposed the UK is to events occurring far away".
The UK is heavily reliant on imports. Although the four refineries in the UK process sufficient petrol to meet demand, they do not make enough diesel for the country's requirements. Supply was also impacted by the closure of a major refinery in Immingham.
