Motorists outraged at petrol prices

Oil prices are at their highest level for ten years

Motorists in Britain have reacted with anger to the prospect of yet another hike in petrol prices.

Currently standing at about 80p a litre, prices look set to rise by 2p this week, with a further increase expected in the coming days.

I think the amount of tax this government has taken is out of this world. It's plain ridiculous

Scottish motorist

The rise is due to the escalating world prices of crude oil which have hit their highest levels for 10 years.

The French have made their dissatisfaction with the situation very plain with days of protests by fishermen, farmers and taxi-drivers.

High taxation

But there is also dismay among British motorists who are outraged at the thought of petrol prices rising even further.

Currently nearly 80% of the price of every litre of petrol is taken by the government in taxation and duty, and British motorists pay the highest prices in Europe for their fuel.

According to motoring organisation the RAC, it is drivers in rural areas, the elderly and disabled and those who do not have easy access to public transport, who are suffering the most.

Higher prices could have a catastrophic effect on residents such as those in Cumrock in South Ayreshire.

Cumrock is a farming area and residents depend on fuel for their livelihoods.

Mounting pressure

One said: "I think it is absolutely ridiculous. I think the amount of tax this government has taken is out of this world. It's plain ridiculous."

Another motorist said he would now have to reconsider whether or not to take his car on holiday in future as the price of petrol was now becoming prohibitive.

Over the past few weeks a campaign, entitled Dump the Pump, which aims to persuade the government to reduce the price of petrol, has gained some publicity but has had little impact.

However, if mounting pressure all over Europe for petrol prices to be reduced is successful, motorists in Britain are also likely to step up their demands.