Van drivers hit in the pocket as fuel prices increase

FairFuelUK have found that retailers have been charging more for diesel than petrol, even though the wholesale fuel prices were cheaper in recent weeks.

Retail prices on diesel were marked up from wholesale prices at double the rate of increase on petrol, according to the campaigners.

By the end of last week, the pump price of diesel was on average 10.45p a litre more expensive than wholesale prices. Petrol, on the other hand, was only 5.86p more costly.

Van drivers penalised

Campaign group found that some retailers were ramping up diesel prices by as much as 12p a litre over wholesale, making them as much as £5 profit every time a diesel engine is filled up. Motorists such as van drivers - who cover a lot of miles - will especially feel the pinch.

The trend has continued since mid-March - when the average wholesale prices were 94p for diesel and 100p for petrol - meaning that retailers have been making greater profits from diesel drivers.

Campaigners slammed retailers' 'shameless' profit-driving practices.

Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK said: "Wholesale petrol has been 5p higher than diesel for weeks and yet pump prices remain the same for both fuels. Retailers are not passing on the benefits of lower oil prices revealed in current wholesale levels and in some cases are now taking a huge 12p per litre in margins. That £5 profit from an average motorist every time they fill up."

If you need a fuel-efficient van, look no further. Citroen offer a range of fuel-efficient vans with the Berlingo offering a superb 62.8mpg, while the Transit range is economical, too. The 1.6TDCi Econetic 95PS version of the Ford Transit Connect offers a staggering 67.3mpg, better than any van on the market.

Van drivers! Save money now

Interested in a fuel-efficient van? Enquire now to see how much you can save!