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Fuel prices reach an all-time high

Computer error leads to record prices at pumps across Scotland.

petrol

By Jack Rix

05th May 2008

If you think your local forecourt is overcharging you for fuel – spare a thought for motorists in Scotland. The price of diesel shot up to a staggering £1.45 per litre recently at one filling station – nearly 30 per cent higher than the national average!

Unleaded also climbed to £1.25 – 18.2p more than the typical rate paid by motorists across the UK. Rix Petrol, the company responsible, blamed a computer error at its station in Kirkcaldy, Fife, for the price hike, which amounted to a 25 per cent rise in the space of a week.

But even after the problem was identified, the firm continued to charge inflated rates of £1.30 and £1.20 for a litre of diesel and petrol respectively. This practice was slammed by the AA as blatant profiteering, which is more common when supply is limited. Fears of fuel shortages north of the border have been prompted by planned strike action at the oil refinery in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, only 34 miles from the Rix forecourt.

Petrol Retailers Association boss Rob Holloway claimed drivers were worrying unnecessarily: “The effect on supply in Scotland will be barely noticeable due to the sheer volume of fuel already in the supply chain,” he said. “It is bulk-buying of fuel by panicked motorists that will ultimately be responsible for any shortages.”

But an AA spokesman said: “There are a number of filling stations guilty of profiteering. You can spot them a mile off, as their prices are usually up by 10p per litre or more.” He advised motorists to vote with their feet.

Energy consultancy Utilyx is warning of more price hikes across the UK. It’s predicting diesel and petrol rates to rise to an all-time high national average of £1.23 and £1.12 per litre in May, as the global price of crude oil rises past 0 (£60) per barrel.

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