**British Drivers Face Highest Fuel Prices in Europe**
Recent data has revealed that motorists in the UK are currently experiencing some of the highest petrol and diesel prices across Europe. Diesel drivers, in particular, are facing the brunt of these escalating costs, with the UK ranking fourth in terms of fuel prices among 28 EU countries. The average price of diesel in the UK is approaching £1.47 per litre, as reported by the RAC Foundation with data sourced from the European Commission. This places UK diesel consumers behind only Denmark, Finland, and Ireland in terms of high fuel prices.
Similarly, petrol prices in the UK also rank among the highest in Europe, averaging around £1.40 per litre, making it the tenth most expensive across the continent. Notably, Denmark holds the top spot with petrol prices at £1.69 per litre. Not only are UK drivers facing high fuel prices, but they have experienced four consecutive months of price increases, adding to the financial burden on motorists. One of the major factors contributing to these high prices is the 52.95p per litre fuel duty imposed by the UK government.
According to a list of average petrol and diesel pump prices per litre across Europe published by the RAC, as of March 3, the UK’s prices stand at 140p for petrol and 146p for diesel. Comparatively, countries like Austria, Belgium, and France have lower prices for both petrol and diesel. Dan Jones, the operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, noted that the UK’s position in the top five for costly diesel prices places it above countries like France and Germany. While petrol prices are slightly lower, the UK still ranks higher than 18 EU countries.
To combat rising fuel costs, TrackDays recommends several measures, including maintaining correct tyre pressure to reduce rolling resistance, driving at a steady pace to conserve fuel, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, and reducing wind resistance by removing roof bars when not in use. They also suggest refraining from using air conditioning unless necessary and adhering to speed limits. These small changes can help drivers save on fuel consumption and costs in the long run.
In light of the current situation, UK motorists are facing challenges as they contend with some of the highest fuel prices in Europe. The rising cost of petrol and diesel has economic implications for individuals and businesses alike. As prices continue to increase, drivers may need to consider adopting cost-saving measures and exploring alternative transportation options to mitigate the impact of these high fuel prices on their budgets.
Overall, the disparity in fuel prices between the UK and other European countries highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying factors contributing to these high costs. With fuel prices showing no signs of decreasing in the near future, UK drivers may need to adjust their driving habits and explore ways to reduce their reliance on petrol and diesel to cope with the financial strain imposed by these elevated costs.