MOTORISTS received a nasty holiday shock with a dramatic increase in prices at local petrol pumps, the highest ever recorded. The average price is 142.9c per litre, peaking at 147.9c. In the corresponding period last year, petrol clocked in at €1.24.9 per litre. And AA Roadwatch warn that more hikes are on the way.
Homeowners who tanked up with heating oil during the cold spell, were also caught off guard.
It is now feared there could be a knock-on effect for consumers with increased transport delivery charges.
Government taxes and the impact of extreme weather on the international price of oil, is blamed.
A survey, carried out by the Limerick Post shows a variance of almost 8c in unleaded petrol.
The average in the city area now stands at 142.5c per litre, or over €7 per gallon.
Emo Service Station, Lock Quay, are listed 139.7c, while Topaz, St Nessans Road, are at 147.9c.
Petrol remains roughly 8c more expensive per litre than diesel.
A survey revealed that kerosene home heating oil is between 76c and 79c per litre.
Prices for volumes of 500 litres and 1,000 litres varied.
Conor Faughnan, AA Roadwatch, said the average motorist is now being hit by an extra €20 per month.
He pointed out two-thirds of the retail price of petrol goes to the government.
Unfortunately, he expects no immediate let up.
According to fuel price comparison website pumps.ie, the average cost of petrol in Limerick has increased by 10c in the past three months.
Budget 2010 outlines a doubling of the carbon tax from €15 per tonne to €30 a tonne by 2014; which is expected to hit the average taxpayer by €150 per year.
A sample of petrol prices across Limerick
Emo, Lock Quay 139.7
Great Gas, Ennis Road 140.9
Independent, Ennis Road 141.9
Chawkes, Dublin Road 142.9
Topaz, Dock Road 143.9
Esso, Groody Roundabout, Dublin Road 144.9
Texaco, Dublin Road 144.9
Maxol, Dublin Road 144.9
Maxol, St Nessans Road, Dooradoyle 144.9
Topaz, St Nessans Road, Dooradoyle 147.9
*Prices at time of going to print
