11 August 2008
British motorists have been paying more for fuel than their European counterparts since the turn of the millennium, uSwitch.com has claimed. The independent price comparison site said that from 2000 onwards drivers in Britain have been spending around 20% more to fill up their cars than those in France, Spain, Italy and Germany. In the last year the cost of petrol in the UK has risen by 17% to an average of 119.5p per litre. This compares to just 96p per litre in Spain, uSwitch.com calculated. The research shows that UK drivers spend £6.2 million an hour at the pumps, each paying around £67 to fill their tank - or £1,753 per year on average. "This rising cost of motoring adds further strain to the pockets of consumers who have already faced hikes in the cost of car insurance and tax," said uSwitch.com. However, a survey by the insurance company esure has revealed that rising petrol prices are unlikely to discourage motorists from using their cars. Of those questioned, 17% said they would be prepared to pay more than £2 a litre to keep their vehicle on the road.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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