Get ready for a bumpy ride, folks! Petrol drivers are facing a significant financial burden this December, with a whopping 17p per mile charge on the roads. It's a bitter pill to swallow, especially as we approach the festive season.
According to RAC Fuel Watch, the price of petrol has increased to 137.0p per litre, a slight but noticeable jump from November's average. And this is where it gets controversial: the average fuel economy for UK petrol cars is estimated at 36mpg. So, based on these figures, road users are looking at an average cost of 17p per mile to keep their petrol vehicles running.
But here's the real kicker: this means that for every 1,000 miles traveled, road users will be shelling out approximately £173 on fuel alone! For the average annual mileage of 8,000 miles, that's a staggering £1,384. And this is the part most people miss: these costs are significantly higher compared to diesel owners, who are paying slightly less during this Christmas period.
Diesel owners, on the other hand, are paying 146.21p per litre at the pumps, with a slightly better fuel economy of around 43mpg. This translates to approximately 15p per mile, or £154.36 for every 1,000 miles. For the same annual mileage, diesel owners are likely to pay around £1,234, which is a substantial £150 less than their petrol-driven counterparts.
The RAC has confirmed that the cost of filling up a family petrol car has increased to £75.44, a £1.19 rise from the end of October. And they're not sugarcoating it: Simon Williams, the head of policy at RAC, stated that drivers will be disappointed by the sharp increase in fuel prices during the festive period. He added that it's one of the most expensive times of the year, and with many people traveling long distances to celebrate with loved ones, it's a costly Christmas indeed.
However, Williams also offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that smart fueling strategies could save drivers a significant amount of money. So, while the situation may seem bleak, there are ways to navigate these rising costs.
What do you think? Are these fuel prices fair, or do they seem excessive? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We'd love to hear your take on this controversial topic!
