Re: Petrol and diesel prices
Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2021 7:52 pm
Petrol prices to rise as greener fuel increases cost of filling up car
Petrol prices will rise for thousands of motorists as the Government rolls out a new greener fuel that is incompatible with older cars.
All petrol stations will sell E10, which is 10 per cent bioethanol, as the standard from September, the Government will announce on Thursday.
The older E5 petrol will be sold as the more expensive super grade and available at the majority of petrol stations.
The switch will add around 1.6 per cent to all drivers’ fuel costs because E10 is less efficient, meaning drivers will have to buy more per mile, the AA said.
Meanwhile, 95 per cent of cars on the road are E10 compatible, but there are estimated to be around 700,000 cars – mostly classic models and those manufactured before 2000 – that will not be able to use the new grade.
One estimate by The Telegraph last year suggested that using E5 super grade could cost drivers an extra £100 a year, although many classic car drivers already use premium petrol.
Edmund King, the president of the AA, said the effective increase in petrol prices from the switch should mean “the Chancellor, who will get more fuel duty from more fuel consumed, will not have to increase fuel duty in the Budget next week”.