Brits ''to pay over Â£2,200 a year on petrol by 2009''

By MoneyhighStreet Staff. Published on August 7, 2008 This post currently has no comments.

petrol pump
New research has confirmed that British motorists are paying significantly more for their petrol and diesel than their European neighbours.

Website uSwitch.com conducted the survey that showed that UK drivers have typically paid 12 per cent more for their fuel than motorists on the continent over the past eight years.

Currently, petrol in the UK costs seven per cent more than the European average, while diesel is 17 per cent more expensive.

Typically, Brits now have to spend £1,753 a year filling up their cars.

What''s more, the website warned that many believe the cost of fuel will rise above £1.50 a litre in the country by the end of 2009. Should this happen, motorists would need to find another £457 to keep their car on the road.

Mark Monteiro, an insurance expert at uSwitch.com, commented: "Drivers who are reliant on their cars for business or live in remote areas will be hardest hit - for them, leaving the car at home is not an option.

"Price cuts of up to 4p per litre at the forecourts of some of our largest supermarkets have been a step in the right direction.

"Unfortunately, supermarkets have a small market share in petrol retail, so we need to see larger brands follow suit."