UK drivers are paying significantly more for petrol and diesel than other countries in Europe and further afield.
Used car supermarket, CarShop, has researched the cost of petrol and diesel for UK drivers, and compared it against other countries to see just how much more we are paying per litre and why.
Shockingly, the UK is one of the 10 most expensive countries in the world for diesel, with UK drivers forking out an average equivalent of $1.64 for a litre – making us sixth in the top ten countries for the price of diesel, compared to US drivers who pay just over half of that at $0.80 a litre.
Other countries in the top ten for pricey diesel include Hong Kong ($1.85), Sweden ($1.68), Italy ($1.67) and France ($1.62).
Leo Nelson, Marketing and Digital Director for the Sytner Group Car Supermarket Division explained, “One big reason for our pricey diesel is the fuel duty and 20% VAT that’s added to the cost, meaning that a staggering 60% of the price drivers pay at the pump goes to the Treasury.
“Prices are also impacted regionally by different market factors such as proximity to a storage terminal or refinery. They can also depend on the number of supermarkets and filling stations in the area, with outlets having to price competitively to attract customers.
“With all these factors having an impact on costs, drivers need to regularly check prices to ensure they are getting a good deal, as expensive fuel can really add up over time.”