Local Petrol Prices Options

[Biker1]

Just been up to Stafford today to move my son down from university and paid 113.9 per litre in a local petrol station.

The local ASDA was the same price.

119.9 is the cheapest I can find it locally.

Why the marked difference between them & us?

Is it something to do with the transport of the stuff or just a measure of the local cost of living?

Whatever it is we are loosing out.

[NWNREADER]

There have been many moans over the years that fuel in Newbury costs more than elsewhere. Whilst not totally true all the time, it is common for local fuel to be a couple of p. higher than nearby towns. In pure business terms, we pay what the market will bear. For the most part we suffer from the generalised view of the area being 'affluent'. Why would anyone who can get 140p for a litres (PAH!) sell it for less?
The Government will not apply pressure, as they rake in the extra VAT. Thus, by engineering the price structure in the surrounding areas the companies can ensure this particular market area pays, with us rich citizens only able to save cost by travelling to Reading etc.....

[Biker1]

There have been many moans over the years that fuel in Newbury costs more than elsewhere. Whilst not totally true all the time, it is common for local fuel to be a couple of p. higher than nearby towns. In pure business terms, we pay what the market will bear. For the most part we suffer from the generalised view of the area being 'affluent'. Why would anyone who can get 140p for a litres (PAH!) sell it for less?
The Government will not apply pressure, as they rake in the extra VAT. Thus, by engineering the price structure in the surrounding areas the companies can ensure this particular market area pays, with us rich citizens only able to save cost by travelling to Reading etc.....

Yes but surely there has to be some sort of price fixing "cartel"going on here?
Why are the prices at all the major outlets exactly the same?
No one, it seems around here, is prepared to undercut as must happen in other towns such as High Wycombe.
Otherwise, why the price difference?
It's the same stuff from the same refineries with the same transport costs?

[user23]

Yes but surely there has to be some sort of price fixing "cartel"going on here?
Why are the prices at all the major outlets exactly the same?
No one, it seems around here, is prepared to undercut as must happen in other towns such as High Wycombe.
Otherwise, why the price difference?
It's the same stuff from the same refineries with the same transport costs?

West Berkshire is seen as being amongst the most affluent areas in the country by some, and as long as people are willing to pay these prices for fuel they'll still charge them.

In my opinion the best solution is to reduce your consumption, that way you'll pay less and send a message that you're unwilling or can't afford the prices thy charge.

[Biker1]

West Berkshire is seen as being amongst the most affluent areas in the country by some, and as long as people are willing to pay these prices for fuel they'll still charge them.

In my opinion the best solution is to reduce your consumption, that way you'll pay less and send a message that you're unwilling or can't afford the prices thy charge.

Not sure it's a case of "willing to pay these prices" we have no choice!
I agree about consumption and have taken measures, as have most others, but modern life means we have to buy some!

[user23]

Not sure it's a case of "willing to pay these prices" we have no choice!
I agree about consumption and have taken measures, as have most others, but modern life means we have to buy some!

Of course you have a choice, no one's forcing you to buy fuel. I have a car and haven't filled it up since March, and even then only half-way.

Car share where you can, walk or cycle where you can, take public transport if possible and this will all keep your fuel bills down.

Stop seeing your car as a necessity and view it as a luxury and you'll soon reduce your fuel bills.

[NWNREADER]

Of course you have a choice, no one's forcing you to buy fuel. I have a car and haven't filled it up since March, and even then only filled it half-way.

Car share where you can, walk or cycle where you can, take public transport if possible and this will all keep your fuel bills down.

Stop seeing your car as a necessity and view it as a luxury and you'll soon reduce your fuel bills.

Unless you have a 40 mile commute to work when the public transport option is unrealistic in terms of time and more expensive that the running cost of the car..........

Interesting, the 'wealth' argument - which is one I had pretty much accepted. I work in leafy Surrey, where I now find fuel is 2-3p a litre cheaper than Newbury area.

Newbury is in an odd situation, being not exactly a big town, so no huge turnover to bring economy of scale, as well as nowhere of size in a reasonable distance to enable buyer power to force the issue: no point driving to Reading just to fill up...

[user23]

Unless you have a 40 mile commute to work when the public transport option is unrealistic in terms of time and more expensive that the running cost of the car..........

If a 40 mile commute to work is no longer economically viable perhaps it's time to look for a job closer to home?