Hard-pressed UK consumers have cut back their use of petrol dramatically since 2008, according to new research conducted by the AA. The insurer’s study calculated that the amount of petrol sold in the first half of 2011 was down by 1.7bn litres, or 15%, on the same period three years ago.
The study attributed the fall-off in sales to frozen household incomes and rising prices, particularly commodities and fuel. Both domestic users and businesses, the report noted, have cut back. The fall in fuel sales is estimated to have cost the UK Exchequer almost £1bn in fuel duty. Meanwhile, many independent fuel retailers have struggled as consumers purchase cheaper fuel at supermarkets.
Source: Petrolworld
