THE record price of petrol is to continue to rise and could reach 125p per litre in York by the summer, an industry expert predicts.

Yorkshire and Humber is one of the cheapest parts of the country for buying petrol, according to the AA, but prices in the region fluctuate above and below the record national average of 120p.

In March, the average price of unleaded petrol in Yorkshire and Humber was 1.09p cheaper than the UK average at 115p, although it had risen from 110.9p in February.

The 125p-a-litre prediction came from Brian Madderson, chairman of RMI Petrol, formerly the Petrol Retailers Association. He blamed the Government’s “relentless” increases in fuel duty, the reinstatement of the 17.5 per cent rate of VAT and the lack of confidence in the UK economy, causing the pound to fall against the US dollar.

He said forecourt operators were feeling the pinch. “Although they have got big brand names on their sites, like BP, these independents are small family businesses.”

He said volumes of petrol being sold had also reduced by between three and eight per cent, as consumers avoided discretionary travel.


Prices at the pumps

• Morrisons, Foss Islands Retail Park, York – unleaded 117.9p; diesel 118.9p.

• BP, Tadcaster Road, York – unleaded 117.9p; diesel 118.9p.

• Shell, Hull Road, York – unleaded 118.9p; diesel 118.9p.

• Corner Garage, Pocklington – unleaded 119.9p; diesel 119.9p.

• Jet, Lawrence Street, York – unleaded 120.9p; diesel 119.9p.

• Millgate, Selby – unleaded 121.9p; diesel 121.9p.

• Tyke 2000, Malton – unleaded 121.9p; diesel 121.9p.