Cheltenham drivers get cheaper petrol
There may only be a few miles between them but Gloucester drivers are getting a raw deal at the pumps compared to motorists in Cheltenham.
People in the city are paying an average of almost 2p more a litre for unleaded petrol than their Spa town counterparts, according to price watchdog Petrolprices.com.
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Out of 21 retailers in Gloucester and 15 in Cheltenham, the difference between the cheapest forecourts in both areas is 3p per litre.
The best value unleaded petrol in Cheltenham, was at Waitrose in Honeybourne Way, costing 105.9p per litre, while drivers pay 108.9p per litre for the cheapest fuel in Gloucester.
Competitive
Emma Gardner, who owns garages in Cheltenham, Huntley and Hucclecote, said her prices were not different across the area boundaries.
She said the supermarkets were the only petrol retailers able to offer low, competitive prices, and the rest of the business had to try to keep up.
Emma said: "Our prices are only a penny cheaper in Cheltenham than in Huntley and Hucclecote.
"The prices are dictated by the supermarkets. We try to keep up with the competition.
"I don't know why the prices are so different."
Paul Hanlon, manager of Abbey Cars in Gloucester, said: "I think it's a bit like a postcode lottery.
"It's a bit like being charged different prices for the same item at two different Tesco stores, and I don't think it's a fair reflection of the price of fuel.
"If we drop off anywhere near Cheltenham, we do usually nip in to fill up."
One Stroud driver said he timed filling his car with fortnightly trips to Cheltenham.
He said: "Where I live, petrol is always so much more expensive.
"I go over to Cheltenham once every two weeks for work, and I always buy a full tank when I'm there, because I can save so much money.
"It seems ridiculous that drivers like me are being forced to choose Cheltenham businesses over those in Stroud because I can save serious money by doing so."
In a statement made to the Competition Commission earlier this year after a customer complained Tesco benchmarked its prices against rivals within a 30-mile radius, the retailer said on its website: "The entry of the supermarkets into petrol retailing has intensified competition in the sector and brought about significant benefits for customers.
"However, the nature of the petrol business is such that Tesco and other supermarkets are able to exert control over only a tiny part of the retail price.
"The remainder is attributable to the world price movements of what is a commodity product, as well as to duty and VAT."
27 Comments
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by Fat Sam, Abbeymead, Gloucestershire
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:46PM
“Oh deary me, John Read, Cheltenham. yet another stuck-up Cheltonian who couldn't resist a dig at Gloucester residents' apparent inability to afford something. Your jibes are as cheap as your fuel.
Clearly, you're an outcast in your own town in terms of intelligence. Economic laws actually suggest that when demand outstrips supply things get more expensive.”
by Chris Martin, Chelteham
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 6:25AM
“To be honest, what normally makes me choose petrol station is the lack of queues for the pumps on the forecourt, price is secondary. Cant believe that no one has looked at the workflow of a forecourt and why do they close half the forecourt down at night, surely the demand should justify the amount of pumps open.”
by john read, cheltenham
Monday, November 23 2009, 11:39PM
“its a simple case of economics. the more use of pumps in chelt = cheaper.
less use in glos as not many people in glos can afford to drive (legally)”
by Fat Sam, Abbeymead, Gloucestershire
Monday, November 23 2009, 11:03PM
“Alas, the difference between 'branded' and 'supermarket' fuel is all a big myth/marketing con.
Several independent tests (one more recently conducted by Which? using quite a thorough scientific trial) proved this and also proved there was an insignificant difference between unleaded and super-unleaded. It was so marginal as to be of no benefit, given the higher price of super-unleaded.
I've kept a record of all my fuel, distance and mpg ever since I bought my car. Whilst most of you will say I should get out more (I do - in my car!) it also proved no difference.
incidentally, the Which? test reported a long-distance commuter who claimed they got better mpg from a garage in Leeds than in London until someone pointed out Leeds was at a higher altitude.
As much as I begrudge giving Mr Tesco any more of my money their reward scheme effectively gives you 8% off (if you maximise the Rewards with the 4 for 1 deals).
Having said all that I'm quite glad some people will continue to pay higher prices. Just like bank charges do for free banking, it effectively subsidises the commodity for the rest of us, so thank you very much!”
by It bee eye, It bee yer
Monday, November 23 2009, 10:06PM
“If ya gota drive then ewe all gotta pay and remember if ya can how to walk or ride a push bike, and maybe do yerr self some good, elf wize.”