It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating diesel dropping below €1 per litre but the honeymoon has been short lived. This week it emerged that the average motorist is now spending almost €194 a month on fuel and, as oil prices rise are on the rise again, that looks like increasing even further in the coming months. Currently diesel costs on average €113.3 a litre and petrol €129.1 a litre - that means diesel went up 2.1 cent a litre in the past month and petrol 3.1 cent a litre.
Oil production has dropped recently as producers limit supply and oil per barrel is now $3 up on last month's prices.
Figures from pumps.ie continue to show quite a disparity around the country, with a difference of 13 cents a litre emerging between the cheapest outlet in the country (Corrib Oil in Claremorris at €1.05.9 for diesel) compared to some outlets in South Dublin (Topaz in Rathfarnham is one of four charging €1.18.9 a litre).
In Dublin, the cheapest diesel is available at Go on Kylemore Road in Dublin 12 at €1.08.9. In Galway, the cheapest is at Topaz in Indrebhan (€1.12.9), while Texaco in Merlyin Park is charging €1.15.9. In Cork, Topaz in Douglas is charging €1.15.9 while Topaz in Midleton is charging €1.17.9. One wonders how the same supplier is charging a difference of two cent a litre at outlets only 25 kilometres apart.
As oil prices continue to increase, at least the State will be happy. The AA points out that of the €196 you are paying for your fuel per month the State takes €130!
