For many motorists across the UK – the cost-of-living crisis has taken hold of people’s finances and the price of fuel has contributed massively to this.

Over the course of 2022 – the average cost of fuel has hit an all-time high – with some having to pay on average 189p for a litre of fuel at the forecourt pump.

In the North East, this is no different – with some petrol stations charging over £2 a litre for petrol and diesel, as some opted to take fewer journeys – both for work and leisure.

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These struggles come as the RAC reported that just ten per cent of more than 4,500 UK forecourts are charging a fair price for petrol and diesel.

The breakdown assistance firm believes that retailers should be charging nearer to 174p for a litre of unleaded in response to wholesale prices that have continued to fall over the last two weeks.

Despite this, analysis shows that only 157 petrol stations – out of 4,593 sites included in the study – were selling a litre between 170.9p and 179.9p.

The Northern Echo: Etherley Moor Garage in Bishop Auckland is selling petrol for 169.9p. Picture: PUBLIC Etherley Moor Garage in Bishop Auckland is selling petrol for 169.9p. Picture: PUBLIC

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “In this most expensive of summers, drivers need all the help they can get to keep their spending down, so we applaud those retailers who are doing the right thing for their customers and charging a fair price for petrol and diesel, more in line with the lower wholesale costs.

“Last month, the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family-sized car with petrol rose by a record £9.12, with diesel just behind at £8.59.

“For a car that does 40 miles to the gallon, that means it costs a driver around 22p for every mile they drive – up from around 16p at the start of the year.”

The Northern Echo: Esso in Chilton Moor is 177.7p and still considered cheap. Picture: PUBLICEsso in Chilton Moor is 177.7p and still considered cheap. Picture: PUBLIC

With variable petrol prices throwing up frustration for drivers, who are searching for a bargain to support their bank account – we’ve scoured social media to try and find the cheapest petrol prices in the region.

After seeing the usual 185p and 189p prices experienced by many on major roads, we spotted Etherley Moor Garage in Bishop Auckland selling petrol for 169p – and diesel for 185.9p.

This is cheaper than the previously ‘cheapest’ fuel at Chilton Moor Esso, which was selling petrol for 177.9p.

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