Drivers hit with big fuel increase

Fuel prices in the West Midlands have risen by nearly 5p a litre in the last month, the AA said today.

The average cost for petrol this month is 120.7 per litre compared to 116.3p per litre in March. Diesel prices in the region are now around 121.6p per litre — up from 116.9p last month.

It means drivers will have to pay around £2.22 more to fill a typical 50-litre tank.

The increase is having an effect on hauliers, with one Black Country firm saying today the industry has "never had it so hard".

Gary Owen, manager of Bilston-based Highfield Haulage, said ever-increasing prices would ultimately force some haulage companies out of business.

"It will shut a lot of people down because haulage firms are having to absorb the costs themselves." said Mr Owen.

"We have been in haulage since 1960 and it will be our 50th anniversary this year and we've never had it so hard."

"Something has got to happen as prices can't keep going up. But where does it stop?"

At Molineux Service Station, in Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, petrol was on sale for 121.94p per litre, while diesel is 122.94p.

Supermarket petrol stations are proving to be the best bet, with Asda offering prices 2.5p below the UK average.

Jet is also keeping its average prices below 120p a litre.