moneysupermarket.com: Fuel duty rise

Commenting on the fuel duty rise coming into force today, Andy Leadbetter, director of insurance at price comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, said: "Motorists and businesses are being hit where it hurts as they face a two pence per litre fuel increase; with further rises expected in 2010, Brits on the road will have to stump up even more for petrol and diesel. The only positive is that we are still a long way from the sky high prices we faced at the pump last year, the average cost of unleaded petrol is currently less than 95 pence per litre (ppl) and the average cost of diesel is less than 103ppl compared with 108.1ppl and 117.4ppl, respectively in Aril 2008.

"Not only will everyday motorists be affected - those who are already cash-strapped will have to contend with ever-escalating costs for keeping their car on the road - but business will also have to absorb increased transport costs while the economy is in a deepening recession.

"I would advise drivers to think carefully about their fuel efficiency and how they can make savings to the cost of their motoring. The price of running and insuring a car can be expensive, however it is quicker and easier than ever to find the best motor insurance deal suited to their needs. It is never a good idea to automatically accept a renewal quote, especially when hundreds can be saved over the year simply by shopping around."