AA bosses hit out at 'ridiculous' fuel prices

Petrol prices in the West Midlands are "ridiculously high" according to AA bosses, despite autumn traditionally leading to plummeting prices at the pumps.

Petrol has begun to creep past the 106p-a-litre in the region, following the September 1 fuel duty increase which pushed prices up by around two pence.

Wholesale prices fell 10 days ago by eight per cent, around 2p a litre, and it has now increased by five per cent.

Masih Usaf, who runs the independent Molineux Service Station in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, said he is now selling unleaded petrol at 105.9p a litre, and diesel at 106.9p a litre.

"We have noticed this week that wholesale prices have gone up again," he said.

"Every time they say the economy is getting better oil jumps in price. It's very hard for us because the supermarkets take their time to put their prices up so on the ascent it's very hard for little guys like us."

In the West Midlands, the average price for unleaded petrol is 106.2p-a-litre, and 106.8p-a-litre for diesel.

AA spokesman Paul Watters said today that 106p per litre was "ridiculously high". "This is traditionally the time of year when petrol prices start to come down after the main driving season," he added.