Forecourt rethink over diesel boom

Fuel forecourts have traditionally fav­oured petrol. But the rows of unleaded pumps could soon be replaced by black diesel ones, industry experts are warn­ing – as derv is now more popular.

It has already outstripped petrol in litres sold, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufact­urers and Traders. The SMMT says that motorists filled their cars with 25.5 billion litres of diesel last year – compared to 24 billion litres of petrol.

Bosses also predict registra­tions of diesel-powered vehicles will overtake those of petrol models by 2011 – another reason why forecourt layouts need a rethink.

Petrol Retailers Association chief Ray Holloway explained: “The ratio of die­sel to petrol pumps no longer reflects the sale of the fuels. I am confident filling stations will have to change, but the huge investment required to install additional underground tanks is putting retailers off at present.”

He argued that there’s even more competition for space at the pumps, too, as alternative and performance fuels become increasingly popular. Yet it’s not hard to see why diesel models are booming. Our table (below) compares the cost of owning a Ford Focus in petrol and oil-burning guises.

Despite its higher list price, the diesel variant works out £117 cheaper to run over a year, when tax, fuel and retained value are considered. And the savings keep rising – after three years, the Focus TDCi will have cost £853 less to own. It also trumps the petrol car in terms of CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and power.