The cost of diesel is still “setting new records” at an average of 143.8 cent per litre, but petrol prices have risen only slightly since June, a survey has found.
Motoring organisation AA’s latest fuel price survey finds petrol costs on average 133.5 cent per litre, up by 3 cent since last month. Diesel also rose only slightly since June, but “mercifully” by only 0.9 cent to its new high of 143.8 cent, the organisation said.
“It’s too early to say that the fuel crisis of 2008 is past, but at least the increases are more moderate this month, especially for diesel,” said AA Ireland public affairs Conor Faughnan.
“Oil prices remain extremely high on world markets, and there seems to be no prospect of a significant fall in prices any time soon.
“It has been a dreadful year so far for motorists. Record price hikes have hit very hard. Since last October, when the price began rising, petrol has gone up by 16 per cent and diesel by 30 per cent," he said.
The AA says the cost of petrol for an ordinary car doing ordinary mileage each month is now €167 per month, while the average cost of diesel per month is €180.
AA also said that for all the modern technology available, the most important fuel-saving component of a car is the driver. It suggests regular servicing, checking tyre pressures and turning off all unnecessary devices when driving, including demisters and air conditioning, which waste fuel.