Petrol prices to hit new high

Petrol prices are said to be heading to record levels – as prices at the pumps in the West Midlands reached 120p.

The AA today warned petrol prices would soar to unprecedented highs, even before a 3p rise in petrol duty on April 1.

Chancellor Alistair Darling announced the rise at the last budget.He is being urged to put the increase on hold and launch an investigation.

The average petrol throughout the country is 115.9p for a litre of unleaded and 116.9p for diesel.

But the AA, which recently found that a family with two cars is paying £52 a month more than a year ago to fill up at the pumps, said the average would soon rise above 120p a litre.

That is higher than in 2008 when petrol prices peaked at £1.20 and diesel was £1.30 a litre.

Oil prices are half what they were then but that has not stopped a steady increase in forecourt prices.The Murco garage, in Tintern Crescent, Mossley, was today charging 118.9p for a litre of unleaded, 125.9p for super unleaded and 116.9p for diesel.

Paul Cooper, manager at Morrisons petrol station in Trouse Lane, Wednesbury, said unleaded was 112.9p and diesel 113.9p.

"It's just a case that people have got used to it going up that they grin and bear it," he said.At independent Riddings garage, in Wolverhampton Road, Pelsall, proprietor Roy Hicken assured customers that the charges remain under 120p for unleaded.

"Every time we ordered the fuel from our suppliers the price has gone up," he said. "We are very unhappy about the price rises and our customers are also unhappy."I would like the Government to knock off the 3p duty on the petrol as this would go a long way to helping us stay in business and make our customers happier."