Some service stations are charging drivers up to 30p per litre more than at supermarkets, says AA, as it urges drivers to ‘break the habit’
Motorists are being warned they could be slapped with an extra £15 charge when filling up their cars at certain petrol stations, with those around Exeter among the worst offenders. The AA has urged anyone planning a road trip across Britain this summer to think twice about where they refuel.
The motoring organisation’s study has uncovered significant price differences within the network. For example, motorway petrol is averaging 155.7p a litre, while A-road petrol averages 140.1p a litre.
The UK average is a mere 134.6p a litre. Edmund King, President of the AA, stressed that drivers were being stung with an “outrageous’ bill to fill up at motorway service stations.
On average, the AA has revealed that motorway bays were charging between 20p and 30p per litre more than ordinary fuel stations, a major blow to road users.
Mr King said: “Even with the extra costs of providing a 24-hour service, free parking and facilities and staffing, charging 20p to 30p a litre above the UK average pump price.
“Paying an additional £10 to £15 per tank for fuel on the motorway is frankly outrageous. No wonder holiday drivers baulk at buying fuel at a service area. “
According to the latest figures, the average price of petrol stands at 134.6p per litre, with diesel at 141.9p per litre. Despite this, motorway averages are a staggering 155.7p a litre for petrol and 164.4p for diesel, marking a serious increase.
The AA has refused to accept these higher costs, even when considering the additional expenses associated with running service stations.
The AA refused to accept the higher costs even when taking into account the extra cost associated with running service stations. Mr King said: “Even with the extra costs of providing a 24-hour service, free parking and facilities and staffing, charging 20p to 30p a litre above the UK average pump price.
“Paying an additional £10 to £15 per tank for fuel on the motorway is frankly outrageous. No wonder holiday drivers baulk at buying fuel at a service area. “
Research reveals that routes between London and Exeter in the West Country witnessed the steepest difference in charges. Motorway users are shelling out approximately 155.2p per litre for petrol and 163.1p for diesel.
This contrasts with local A-road averages of 139p per litre for petrol cars and 146.9 pence for diesel vehicles.
Along the M1 and M6, petrol reached a whopping 158.8p per litre on motorways versus 145.8 pence on alternative routes.
Diesel prices were equally inflated, with motorway costs hitting 167.1p per litre against 154.6 pence away from major thoroughfares.
The AA stressed that drivers looking to cut costs should hunt for the finest fuel bargains, even if it requires taking a detour from their planned journey.
Edmund pointed out that mobile apps enable users to uncover previously concealed petrol stations that might be situated just beyond junction exits.
He continued: “Savings on A-road holiday routes stand out in particular. However, there is the likelihood of slower traffic at peak times and many cheaper fuel stations will not operate late at night. It’s a gamble but it may well pay off if a holiday trip cannot be done in one go. “.
