Sales plump at the pumps

It looks as if soaring fuel prices are finally taking their toll on motorists’ wallets. And to prove it, sales of petrol and diesel have dropped dramatically.

The Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA) has revealed an unprecedented five per cent dip. PRA chief Ray Holloway said: “This can only mean drivers are being forced to use their cars less than usual.”

But it’s not all bad news. If you use a company car for work, the amount you’re paid per mile could soon be given a boost. The Inland Revenue promised to review its rates, introduced at the start of the year, if prices rose by more than five per cent. Since then, petrol and diesel prices have shot up by a staggering 8.4 per cent and 14.1 per cent respectively!

A Government spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the increasing costs of fuel, and will be reviewing rates in May, then announce changes on 1 June to take effect from 1 July.” However, it confirmed those who use their own car for work will still have to make do with a 40 pence per mile rate – which has been unchanged since April 2002. It says that’s supposed to deter motorists from running the highest-polluting vehicles.