A STEADY increase in petrol prices means some motorists are once again paying more than 140 pence per litre for fuel.


One petrol station in the conurbation – the BP garage at Spur End, Castle Lane – is now selling unleaded at 146.9p and diesel at 149.9p.


And at many others unleaded is only just under the 140 pence per litre mark, while diesel is slightly more expensive.


Average fuel prices first broke through the 140p barrier back in March and reached a peak of 142.5 pence a litre in April.


Forecourt prices fell sharply in the early summer, giving some respite to hard-pressed motorists.


However, rising prices on the European wholesale market have caused the cost of fuel to creep up again.


Paul Watters, head of public affairs at the AA, said: “Falling pump prices in the UK lasted just 75 days and now they’re heading up at a rate which once again threatens to undermine the Bank of England’s inflation target.


“In recent weeks, £10 has been added to the monthly petrol costs of a two-car family in the UK.”


Earlier this month, the Taxpayers’ Alliance joined forces with the Petrol Retailers’ Association to highlight the “excessive” level of fuel tax paid by UK motorists.


The campaign will see 5,000 display cards placed at checkouts in petrol stations across the UK, claiming that out of every £30 spent at the pumps, £18 is paid in fuel duty and just £1 of the remaining £12 goes to the retailer.


Political director Jonathan Isaby accused the government of “fleecing” motorists but a Treasury spokesperson said they had taken “real action to help motorists with the cost of fuel”.

What you pay

  • Shell, Darbys Corner, Waterloo Road: 136.9 petrol, 141.9 diesel
  • Esso, Wimborne Road, Poole: 139.9 petrol, 140.9 diesel
  • BP Castle Lane East: 146.9 petrol, 149.9 diesel
  • Esso, Bath Hill: 137.9 petrol, 141.9 diesel
  • Tesco, Riverside Avenue: 136.9 petrol, 141.9 diesel
  • Esso, Holdenhurst Road: 139.9 petrol, 143.9 diesel
  • Esso, Barrack Road: 135.9 petrol, 140.9 diesel
  • Shell, Barrack Road: 136.9 petrol, 141.9 diesel