Fuel Prices Could Add to the Christmas Motoring Cost
Fuel Costs Rise Steadily Through 2009 as Families Take to the Roads at Christmas
It will be news to no-one that Christmas is upon us and whilst present shopping and sending cards will be high on the agenda, another activity that is a seasonal tradition is taking to the road and visiting the family.
But those who are heading out to see friends and family this Christmas will be hit harder than they were a year ago as steady rises in the costs of petrol during 2009 means bigger spending than Christmas 2008.
This is something that will not change in the New Year either. According to the RAC, fuel prices are at their highest since July 2008 and 2010 will see VAT returning to its normal rate of 17.5%, so motorists are likely to be out of pocket even as the new decade opens.
The RAC reports on the rise in fuel costs in a recent press release, in which they detail the cost of filling an average tank of 55 litres. The average price of filling the tank has risen by 22% since the same period last year from £49.01 to £59.67, with the break down service citing the Petrol Prices website for exact figures.
Diesel owners will not avoid the rises either, with the average cost of filling up a diesel tank rising from £55.66 to £60.45 (9%) since December 2008. Therefore it might be wise to take measures to save on fuel costs over the Christmas period by driving sensibly and planning routes in advance.
“RAC predicts that Wednesday 23 December will be the busiest day as people start to make their getaway,” said David Hawes, the regional manager of the RAC, “but, with wintry weather forecast we suggest you allow plenty of time for your journey just in case driving conditions are poor.
“Motorists will also have to pay considerably more for their fuel this year – those with engines running on unleaded petrol will be paying over 20p more per litre this year so it’s worth shopping around to get the best price.”
The motoring specialists go on to detail the major roadworks that motorists will have to tackle over the coming weeks, with motorists advised to plan their journeys around them. Full details can be found online.
Source: RAC/Aviva Press Release Dec 2009
