Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Fuel prices fall again, but diesel still too costly, RAC argues
Cookies on Businesscar

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time

BusinessCar magazine website email Awards mobile

The start point for the best source of fleet information

Fuel prices fall again, but diesel still too costly, RAC argues

Date: 05 April 2023   |   Author: Sean Keywood

UK fuel prices dropped for the fifth month in a row in March, according to RAC data.

However, the motoring organisation said the cost of diesel was still too high relative to petrol, based on wholesale prices.

On average, a litre of diesel came down by 4p last month to 162.94p - its cheapest price since March last year - while the average litre of petrol reduced by a penny to 146.5p - a price last seen in January 2022.

The RAC has observed, however, that during the month of March the wholesale price of diesel became lower than that of petrol, ending at 111.69p per litre versus 115.81p.

It said that according to its calculations, the average retailer margin on a litre of diesel at the end of March was 21p, compared with 7p for petrol.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "The fifth consecutive fall in the price of fuel in as many months is without doubt good news for drivers, but those who run diesel vehicles should have enjoyed far bigger cuts at the pumps than they have actually seen.

"It simply cannot be fair on drivers that the retailer margin on diesel is currently three times more than the long-term average at 21p a litre. While retailers are free to charge what they like for fuel we feel there should be an obligation on the those which sell the most, and therefore buy most frequently, to closely reflect what's happening on the wholesale market. 

"If this had been the case then the forecourt price of diesel would have been down to around 152p a litre, even with an above-average margin."



Share


Subscribe