The average cost to fill up a typical family car with petrol has officially hit more than £100 for the first time ever.
As the rising cost of living crisis continues to make its impact felt across the country, and with inflation having now risen to the 40-year UK high of 9%, the RAC has today confirmed that the average cost of filling a 55-litre car tank with petrol will set the typical family in England back over £100, which is the first time in history.
It comes after data firm Experian Catalist confirmed earlier this month that the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts had now risen to 170.4p – also for the first time ever.
“It’s a truly dark day today for drivers, with petrol now crossing the thoroughly depressing threshold of £100 a tank (£100.27p) and a complete diesel fill-up now costs £103.43,” explained RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams.
“With average prices so high – 182.31p for a litre of unleaded and 188.05p for diesel – there’s almost certainly going to be upward inflationary pressure, which is bad news for everybody.
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“While fuel prices have been setting new records on a daily basis, households up and down the country may never have expected to see the cost of filling an average-sized family car reach three figures.”
The average cost to fill up a family car with petrol has officially hit more than £100 for the first time ever / Credit: Pixabay
The record-high average price to fill a 55-litre tank comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak cut fuel duty by 5p back in March in an effort to protect motorists from the increasing costs going forward.
But now, the RAC has said this measure looks “paltry”, adding that wholesale petrol costs have increased by five times that amount since then.
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Mr Williams has urged the government to provide more help for motorists.
He continued in his statement: “March’s 5p fuel duty cut now looks paltry as wholesale petrol costs have already increased by five times that amount since the Spring Statement (25p) [so] a further duty cut or a temporary reduction in VAT would go a long way towards helping drivers, especially those on lower incomes who have no choice other than to drive.”
Prices at the pumps are again reaching new highs, and we are fast approaching a litre of fuel hitting £2 ⛽️
Earlier this week, the RAC had already urged the government to make a “radical intervention” to stop the cost of fuel rising it pumps across the UK – however, the AA hit out at the RAC over the comments, and blamed its “reckless speculation” for rising fuel prices.
The AA’s Luke Bosdet said in a statement this week: “Reckless speculation is leading to rip-off prices at the pump.
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“Yesterday’s more than 2p-a-litre leap in average UK petrol prices is a huge shock and fuels concern that speculation of a £2 litre just gives the fuel trade licence to pile on extra cost and the misery.”
A spokesperson for the RAC rebutted the accusation.
Featured Image – The AA
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
9th June 2022 
