In recent weeks, many Exeter residents have told me about the rising cost of filling up their cars, vans and work vehicles. Whether you’re commuting to work, running a small business, making deliveries, or simply getting the children to school, fuel costs make a real difference to household budgets.
That’s why I’ve written to two major fuel retailers, BP and Texaco, demanding answers about why drivers in Exeter appear to be paying significantly higher prices than motorists in other parts of the South West.
On average, drivers buying unleaded petrol in Exeter are currently paying around 4p more per litre than drivers in Bristol. BP customers in Exeter are paying almost 11p more per litre for unleaded petrol than those in Swindon, while Texaco customers are paying more than 7.5p more per litre than motorists filling up in Bristol.
The picture is similar for diesel. At BP forecourts, Exeter drivers are paying around 8.3p more per litre than drivers using the company’s pumps in Swindon.
For people who rely on their vehicles every day, particularly lorry drivers, tradespeople, small business owners and commuters, these higher prices can place a significant additional pressure on finances.
That is why I have asked both companies to explain why these price differences exist and what action they are taking to ensure customers in Exeter are being treated fairly. If there is a legitimate reason for the disparity, they should be transparent about it. If there is not, they should act to bring local prices down.
Put simply, Exeter motorists deserve answers.
This issue is particularly relevant given the Government’s recent decision to extend the 5p fuel duty cut for the remainder of the year. With fuel duty remaining at its lowest rate in 16 years, fuel companies have important questions to answer about why motorists in Exeter are still facing significantly higher prices than drivers in comparable cities elsewhere in the region.
I have made clear to BP and Texaco that Exeter residents should not be unfairly penalised because of where they fill up their vehicles. I will be pressing for a response and will continue standing up for local drivers who rightly expect fair treatment at the pump.
