Petrol prices break 140p barrier

The average cost of a litre of unleaded petrol in the UK has broken through the 140p mark for the first time, causing more misery for motorists already disappointed by the chancellor's decision not to cancel a fuel duty increase set for August.

Figures from the AA show drivers are now paying an average of 140.20p a litre – almost 8p a litre more than at the start of the year. The price of diesel has also hit a new record of 146.72p.

The AA said that the owner of a car consuming, on average, 106.17 litres of petrol a month would now be spending £8.44 a month more than at the start of the year.

The motoring organisation said there were a number of factors behind the increase, including the pound's weakness against the dollar. For every 10 cents the pound falls against the dollar, it said motorists were paying another 3p or 4p at the pump.

AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said that although oil prices had fallen slightly, the market remained volatile and further rises could not be ruled out.

Source: Petrol prices break 140p barrier | Money | guardian.co.uk

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