Petrol prices hit highest ever

PETROL prices have hit a historic high - with the average for a litre of Unleaded 95 being e1.5563 and Super Unleaded 98 e1.5954.

But these average prices conceal individual petrol stations where the price can be e0.20 higher. One petrol station in Paris was shown on Télématin breakfast TV show with Super 98 at e1.82, said to be the highest in the capital.

The fall in value of the euro is being blamed for the high prices along with tensions in Iran and Nigeria.

Crude oil prices have fallen since the previous petrol price peak in 2008 but the value of the euro has also tumbled. Brent crude oil on the London market today costs $110 a barrel, much less than at the 2008 peak when it was $150: however, in 2008 the euro was at $1.50 whereas today it stands at $1.27.

The cheapest petrol in your area can be found using the government's official price indicator at the Prix Carburants website. Find it here and check your department.

Photo: richard villalon - Fotolia.com