RAC comments on pump prices being at two year high

The UK's highest inflation rates for two and a half years largely due to higher fuel prices:

RAC Fuel Watch spokesman Simon Williams said: “The price of petrol and diesel reached a two-year high at the beginning of February and has remained at this level with yesterday’s (Feb 14) average forecourt prices of £1.20 for unleaded and £1.22 for diesel - the highest price we have seen since December 2014.

“While the price of oil has gone up the weaker pound has been a major factor in the pump prices increasing as all fuel is traded in dollars, including fuel produced in the UK. As a net importer of fuel the UK is at the mercy of the international exchange rate. Since the June 2016 referendum we have seen approximately eight pence per litre added to fuel prices of which over four pence can be attributed to the impact of the collapse in the pound against the dollar. This combined with a steady increase in the price of oil is a double whammy for drivers pushing up UK pump prices.

“The OPEC oil producing countries have remained bullish about their commitment to production cuts and their eagerness to stand by them. Compliance certainly seems to be holding and Saudi Arabia ​ has described them as the deepest cuts in over eight years. This will maintain upward pressure on oil prices and we are unlikely to see any relief for six months or more as US shale oil producers gear up their own production.

“Motorists will fear any further statements which undermine confidence in the pound as this will have an immediate and decisive upward impact on fuel prices which represents a significant proportion of their household budgets.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Website preview
Overhaul of road safety laws ‘much overdue’, experts say - RAC comment
Following the Government's plans to overhaul road safety laws, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We look forward to seeing the detail of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy as too many lives are being lost on our roads every year. More clearly needs to be done to change that.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
Qualified engineer, specialist technician and cancer survivor Sean Kimberlin has been named as the RAC’s ‘Mobile Mechanic of the Year’ in its prestigious employee awards ceremony at Silverstone.
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to more than 14.5 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk