NOW that a week has passed since Chancellor Rishi Sunak made his spring statement announcing a 5p per litre cut on fuel duty across the UK, petrol prices have ‘held steady’ across the UK, according to the latest figures.

Using the statement to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, Mr Sunak revealed the Government measure on petrol and diesel prices – saying that fuel stations would be able to pass on the discounts to members of the public.

Despite the fuel duty measure being criticised, and some petrol stations being accused of not delivering on the 5p reduction, figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average price per litre now is 163.6p, compared with 167.3p on March 22.

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The average price of diesel fell by 2.4p per litre over the same period, from 179.7p to 177.3p.

The Northern Echo has scoured the price of fuel at various stations across County Durham to find the cheapest places to fill up your tank. Here’s what we found:

Darlington

  • Morrisons Darlington – unleaded: 157.7p, diesel: 169.7p
  • Morrisons Morton Park – unleaded: 157.9p, diesel: 169.7p
  • Sainsbury’s Darlington – unleaded: 157.9p, diesel: 169.9p
  • ASDA Darlington Automat – unleaded: 158.7p, diesel: 170.7p
  • Jet Darlington Road (Newton Park) – unleaded: 158.7p, diesel: 175.9p

The Northern Echo: Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average price per litre now is 163.6p, compared with 167.3p on March 22. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average price per litre now is 163.6p, compared with 167.3p on March 22. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Durham (including Chester-le-Street)

  • Tesco Durham Extra – unleaded: 158.9p, diesel: 168.9p
  • Sainsbury’s Durham – unleaded: 158.9p, diesel: 168.9p
  • Shell A690 – unleaded: 161.9p, diesel: 182.9p
  • ESSO Durham (St Giles) – unleaded: 162.9p, diesel: 176.9p
  • BP Alma Place – unleaded: 163.9p, diesel: 184.9p

Bishop Auckland (including Newton Aycliffe)

  • Jet B6282 (Etherley Moor) – unleaded: 154.9p, diesel: 176.9p
  • Tesco Bishop Auckland – unleaded: 154.9p, diesel: 168.9p  
  • Sainsbury’s Bishop Auckland – unleaded: 155.9p, diesel: 169.9p
  • Jet Shildon – unleaded: 156.9p, diesel: 169.9p
  • Chilton Way Jet service area – unleaded: 156.9p, diesel: 175.9p

Consett (including Stanley)

  • Morrisons Consett – unleaded: 159.9p, diesel: 171.9p
  • Jet A691 (Parklands) – unleaded: 159.9p, diesel: 175.9p
  • Tesco Consett – unleaded: 160.9p, diesel: 171.9p
  • Esso Morrison Road – unleaded: 163.9p, 177.9p
  • Esso Consett (RSS Villa) – unleaded: 165.9p, diesel: 179.9p

The Northern Echo: The average price of diesel fell by 2.4p per litre over the same period, from 179.7p to 177.3p. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.The average price of diesel fell by 2.4p per litre over the same period, from 179.7p to 177.3p. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Peterlee (including Easington and Seaham)

  • ASDA Peterlee Yoden Way – unleaded: 158.7p, diesel: 170.7p
  • Morrisons Dalton Park – unleaded: 159.7p, diesel: 172.7p
  • Esso South Hetton Road – unleaded: 160.9p, diesel: 177.9p
  • Shell Durham Place – unleaded: 162.9p, diesel: 175.9p
  • Shell A19 (Easington East) – unleaded: 163.9p, diesel: 186.9p

AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said: “Why are drivers not surprised that on average a third of the petrol saving has yet to be passed on at the pumps?

“The fuel trade always disputes the accusation that pump prices shoot up like a rocket and fall like a feather. Now we know the truth.”

The Northern Echo: Tesco petrol stations are proving cheap options for motorists across Darlington and County Durham. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Tesco petrol stations are proving cheap options for motorists across Darlington and County Durham. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Mr Bosdet said the Treasury “must have expected more from UK forecourts”.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Drivers will be disappointed that prices haven’t come down further since last week’s fuel duty cut.

The Northern Echo: Some petrol stations have been accused of not passing on the 5p fuel duty reduction. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Some petrol stations have been accused of not passing on the 5p fuel duty reduction. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

“As duty is charged on the wholesale cost of fuel, it’s the case that some retailers will be waiting for new deliveries to buy fuel in at the cheaper rate – meaning drivers will have to wait to see the benefit at the pumps.

“What happens to the oil price, and in turn wholesale costs, in the coming days will be crucial. If prices rise, there’s a risk the fuel duty cut will be cancelled out as retailers face higher costs.”

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