Tax will have to come from somewhere ....

[quote name='posing' date='19 March 2010 - 11:18 AM' timestamp='1268997532' post='985656']
Tax will have to come from somewhere ....
[/quote]


I believe we pay rather a lot of it already! Already from wages, VAT, road tax, fuel tax, corporation tax etc etc, oh and then the biggest scam tax of them all - Council Tax. I suppose we've got to pay for those gold plated public sector pensions somehow, even at the expense of our own.

The price of unleaded has just hit 1.22 here on the Isle of Wight.
Not surprising though as there appears to be a cartel for non supermarket garages over here........allegedly

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='19 March 2010 - 05:19 PM' timestamp='1269019192' post='985738']
I suppose we've got to pay for those gold plated public sector pensions somehow, even at the expense of our own.
[/quote]

Our council want to increase the council tax to plug the black hole in their pensions

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/district/southampton/5042634.Homeowners_face___1_7bn_pensions_blackhole/

Petrol at a garage in town raised its price from 116.9 per litre to 117.9 per litre within 15 mins and there had been no tanker delivery as far as I know. We are ripped off by government oil companies and the garages. I cannot understand how the price increases are justified in such short periods of time . Only good thing I have a Prius.

Our Tesco is 117.9, Esso is 116.9, Morrisons is 114.9 and Texaco is 118.9. Roll on April 1st.

[quote name='johalareewi' date='24 March 2010 - 10:36 AM' timestamp='1269426961' post='987398']
Our Tesco is 117.9, Esso is 116.9, Morrisons is 114.9 and Texaco is 118.9. Roll on April 1st.
[/quote]


I trust you're being sarcastic!

Back in 2008 I noticed a sharp down turn in business when fuel prices went up as people cut back on essentials, and then the credit crunch hit.

Now I note that the same is happening again. Business for me appears to be reducing almost daily in line with petrol costs going up. I guess people have to prioritise their money and have to choose between a night out or putting an [i]extra[/i] £10 a week into their cars. I fear we're heading back into recession. Things did appear to improve in Jan and Feb but since fuel has started creeping up in March, business has been going down.

1p in April – 1p October – 1p in January and not the full 3p rise in April.

... or until after the election! The anticipated VAT increase will not happen until then.

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='24 March 2010 - 12:56 PM' timestamp='1269435368' post='987421']


Back in 2008 I noticed a sharp down turn in business when fuel prices went up as people cut back on essentials, and then the credit crunch hit.

Now I note that the same is happening again. Business for me appears to be reducing almost daily in line with petrol costs going up. I guess people have to prioritise their money and have to choose between a night out or putting an [i]extra[/i] £10 a week into their cars. I fear we're heading back into recession. Things did appear to improve in Jan and Feb but since fuel has started creeping up in March, business has been going down.
[/quote]

There is a theory that it was actually the high oil prices in 2007 that led to the fall in confidence that started the credit crunch. It was a house of cards waiting to fall for sure, but maybe the oil price did push it over.

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='24 March 2010 - 12:56 PM' timestamp='1269435368' post='987421']
I trust you're being sarcastic!
[/quote]
Of course

[quote name='johalareewi' date='25 March 2010 - 09:58 AM' timestamp='1269511090' post='987707']
[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='24 March 2010 - 12:56 PM' timestamp='1269435368' post='987421']
I trust you're being sarcastic!
[/quote]
Of course
[/quote]

I don’t know if any of you have seen this e-mail that is presently circulating but I do wonder if it will have any effect on petrol prices.

------------------
“The oil companies have simply jacked their prices up and the government will not do anything as they rake in extra VAT for every increase.

See what you think and pass it on if you agree with it

We are hitting 114.9 a litre in some areas now, soon we will be faced with paying 1.50 a litre. Philip Hollsworth offered this good idea:

This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the 'don't buy petrol on a certain day campaign that was going around last April or May! The oil companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to hurt ourselves by refusing to buy petrol. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. BUT, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work.

Please read it and join in!

Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost of a litre is CHEAP, we need to take aggressive action to teach them that BUYERS control the market place not sellers. With the price of petrol going up more each day, we consumers need to take action. The only way we are going to see the price of petrol come down is if we hit someone in the pocket by not purchasing their Petrol! And we can do that WITHOUT hurting ourselves. Here's the idea:

For the rest of this year DON'T PURCHASE ANY petrol FROM the two biggest oil companies (which now are one), ESSO and BP.

If they are not selling any petrol, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit. But to have an impact we need to reach literally millions of Esso and BP petrol buyers. It's really simple to do!!

Now, don't wimp out at this point... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!

I am sending this note to a lot of people. If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300)... and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) ... and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers! If those three million get excited and

pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If it goes one level further, you guessed it... ...


THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again, all You have to do is send this to 10 people. That's all.(and not buy at ESSO/BP) How long would all that take? If each of us sends this email out to ten more people within one day of receipt,

all 300 MILLION people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8days!!! Acting together we can make a difference . If this makes sense to you, please pass this message on.

PLEASE HOLD OUT UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE 90p a LITRE RANGE

It's easy to make this happen. Just forward this email, and BUY your petrol at Shell, Asda,Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons Jet etc.
BOYCOTT ESSO and BP. “

hmmm, I can't believe you think this would work!

Why don't we all hold our breath until the government remove all fuel tax and give us free beer!

Alternatively we could also do what the French do and have a blockade, but then the Government sneak up afterwards and prosecute you for obstruction (or whatever) http://www.roadtransport.com/Articles/2008/08/12/131408/Protest-haulier-waiting-on-prosecution-decision.htm

I've got a better idea - esp with an election coming up. When they knock on your door asking for your vote, don't just turn the light off and pretend you're not in, but answer the door and TELL THEM WHAT CHEESES YOU OFF!! Tell them you would rather pull your finger nails out with a set of pliers than vote for the party that continually increases road and fuel tax. Tell them you previously voted for them (even if you didn't ) but as they penalise the motorist you're going to kick them where it hurts - the ballot box.

I had a Liberal candidate lose it on my doorstep during local election time (just after the expenses story hit) when I questioned him on the local MPs dubious 2nd home claims. Bit worrying having someone get that nasty with you on your own doorstep but obviously my question hit a nerve. Perhaps petrol costs might get to them this time round?

The population of the UK is close to 61 million so there is no point in trying to target 300 million email addresses. I suspect that supplying fuel to the UK motorist via branded forecourts is not the only revenue stream for BP and Exxon Mobil (the parent company of the Esso brand). Maybe if you could get commercial users like the airlines and major hauliers to not use a particular fuel supplier you would make more of an impact but in the end OPEC would just limit supplies to get the price back up to where they want it to be.

What you really need to do is invent a technology to power vehicles that does not rely on major corporations to supply it. Convert you car to run on water like the sites listed then you would be laughing.
http://waterpoweredcar.com/
http://www.waterpoweredcarplans.com/

[quote name='hertsnminds' date='25 March 2010 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1269531135' post='987834']
What you really need to do is invent a technology to power vehicles that does not rely on major corporations to supply it. Convert you car to run on water like the sites listed then you would be laughing.
[/quote]

Either you'd have to keep it a secret, or the corporations or gov would silence you permanently.

OMG. Shell Garage yesterday am 117.9, yesterday pm 118.9, this evening 120.9

Yeah it's upto 120.9 for both petrol and diesel at one garage in town and probably not long before the others follow

I filled up today and it came to £40!! for 35 litres. In November when I got the car that would have been £35. So that's an extra £5 twice a week for me, so £10 x 52 = £520 extra a year. That's £520 EXTRA for fuel Gordon Brown. That's £520 NOT spent in the local shops, NOT spent in the local restaurants, NOT spent on a holiday, NOT spent on helping kick start this stalling economy.

I despair

I managed to buy some today for 117.9 at my local Shell garage. My first April purchase last year at the same place was 92.9 pence so an increase of more than 21%.

To add insult to injury, I had a letter from my pension company this morning saying that because the RPI had fallen by 1.4% in the past year they really ought to reduce my pension, but were going to be very kind and keep it the same for another year.

I have racked my brains to think what I am paying less for now than I did a year ago, but I can't think of anything. I suppose people with mortgages and loans may be spending less?

Mustn't complain though, my State Pension has just gone up by £2.40 a week so that'll buy me 2 litres . . . .

[quote name='Sagitar' date='01 April 2010 - 11:48 PM' timestamp='1270162125' post='989987']
I have racked my brains to think what I am paying less for now than I did a year ago, but I can't think of anything. I suppose people with mortgages and loans may be spending less?

[/quote]

Yes if they had the sense to go on a base rate tracker (with loyalty discounts after so many years) before 9/11 when interest rates suddenly fell and lenders decided that they ought to put some restrictions on new tracker loans. Come to think of it my monthly phone bill has also fallen thanks to paperless billing.

[quote name='Sagitar' date='01 April 2010 - 10:48 PM' timestamp='1270162125' post='989987']
I have racked my brains to think what I am paying less for now than I did a year ago,[/quote]

Our water rates are slightly lower this year. Ummm that's about it.

MPs do not seem to care about petrol prices and the cost of living. They get their petrol paid for by using government cars or petrol allowances. They also get discounted meals and drinks in the House of Commons. Some of their food bills can go on expenses for entertainment. People in Rural areas need to use their cars for most journeys as public transport is non existent; these folk are the hardest hit as their local garages generally have the highest price for fuel. I remember the government of the day telling us how well off we would be when North Sea oil came in.???
I heard one MP state that the UK price of fuel was not as high as in France. What has that got to do with us? France has a different economy different wages etc. We are going to see more fuel increases and our MPs will remain in their ivory towers and not give a toss. The Green lobby are pressing for even more fuel increases.

[quote name='johalareewi' date='02 April 2010 - 10:23 AM' timestamp='1270200230' post='990022']
[quote name='Sagitar' date='01 April 2010 - 10:48 PM' timestamp='1270162125' post='989987']
I have racked my brains to think what I am paying less for now than I did a year ago,[/quote]

Our water rates are slightly lower this year. Ummm that's about it.
[/quote]

You're lucky - our water prices (metered) are up 3.8% and our Council tax up 3.0%.

Have just been to Morrison's. Still 116.9 so i guess that's a

[quote name='Chris Dance' date='02 April 2010 - 09:52 AM' timestamp='1270201949' post='990030']
MPs do not seem to care about petrol prices and the cost of living. They get their petrol paid for by using government cars or petrol allowances. They also get discounted meals and drinks in the House of Commons. Some of their food bills can go on expenses for entertainment. People in Rural areas need to use their cars for most journeys as public transport is non existent; these folk are the hardest hit as their local garages generally have the highest price for fuel. [/quote]

But the politics of envy that our socialist/communist government dictates that people who live in the country are rich and so what if it costs them more to fill their Range Rover. The reality is quite the opposite.

But it is election day coming up and at least we get this opportunity to poke them in the eye. Don't waste your vote, use it on some obscure party if you have to, but don't waste it.

122.9p a litre for unleaded at a main garage in Harrogate!

What the heck is happening with fuel prices? They're going up daily. I know the Prius helps but it wasn't this bad back in 2008 was it?

It's not only tax, its the fall in sterling that has affected oil prices and the resulting petrol hikes. The trouble is, if sterling moves the other way, we all know it takes longer for the oil companies to react.

I think that there is also an element of regionalisation of petrol prices. Years ago, I can remember that there was a strong campaign in our local newspaper because the two large filling stations in town were charging a lot higher than many other parts of the country. Eventually one cracked from the pressure and the other one soon followed. Now I think our prices are lower than in other parts of the country - I certainly noticed this when I picked my car up in South Wales a month ago. Now I can understand that petrol stations in remote parts of Scotland are going to be more expensive, because of the cost of getting the petrol up there, but I cannot see why different parts of the country which may be equal distances from a refinery (not necessarily the same one) should have significantly different prices.

The current increases are as a result of a combination of factors - sterling, tax, retailers faced with increased overheads themselves and lower sales per customer due to more fuel efficient cars resulting in lower profit margins. Thus everyone in the supply chain (and Government) are happy to take their cut, whilst blaming others for the increase. The Government is in a weak position because it needs the money and with an election looming any protest made to those in the supply chain by Government would not be taken seriously. There won't be any stabilisation until a few months after the election (assuming that there is not a hung parliament). I can't see prices falling again though until alternative powered cars become really mainstream - that will take years.

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='02 April 2010 - 08:28 PM' timestamp='1270240090' post='990190']
122.9p a litre for unleaded at a main garage in Harrogate!

What the heck is happening with fuel prices? They're going up daily. I know the Prius helps but it wasn't this bad back in 2008 was it?
[/quote]
Ouch. It's gone up since I bought some at 113.9 at the Shell garage in Ripon Road in Harrogate last Friday. That's a big change in a week.

It's impressive that most of the rise in fuel duty has been deferred until after the election. I think the government thinks we are a bit stupid, won't notice, and will vote for them. When people come canvassing, ask them what they are going to do.

[quote name='Ancient Nerd' date='02 April 2010 - 10:59 PM' timestamp='1270249182' post='990247']
[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='02 April 2010 - 08:28 PM' timestamp='1270240090' post='990190']
122.9p a litre for unleaded at a main garage in Harrogate!

What the heck is happening with fuel prices? They're going up daily. I know the Prius helps but it wasn't this bad back in 2008 was it?
[/quote]
Ouch. It's gone up since I bought some at 113.9 at the Shell garage in Ripon Road in Harrogate last Friday. That's a big change in a week.

It's impressive that most of the rise in fuel duty has been deferred until after the election. I think the government thinks we are a bit stupid, won't notice, and will vote for them. When people come canvassing, ask them what they are going to do.
[/quote]


It wasn't the Shell garage - they're one of, if not the cheapest in town.

I really can't wait until the canvassers arrive. Are they gonna get it.

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='03 April 2010 - 01:10 PM' timestamp='1270300205' post='990355']
It wasn't the Shell garage - they're one of, if not the cheapest in town.

I really can't wait until the canvassers arrive. Are they gonna get it.
[/quote]
I'd sort of assumed that, if any garage was selling at 113.9, the general level in your area was lower than here. My usual Shell garage in Cambridge was 117.9 just before that and I don't think any others of them had hit your 122.9. One or two have now though.

I'm surprised that Shell fuel is usually around the cheapest, as IMHP it's one of the best. Not complaining though.

Ah the joy of baiting canvassers!

BTW I saw a red Prius taxi in Swaffham this evening, as I left the chippie. So the word is spreading.

I have stopped filling up at Shell now, it was 118.9 today, didnt even used to pay this much for V-Power. Tesco and BP are the cheapest here, was 11.7.9 yesdays, the prices are increasing daily it seems, wont be suprised if it hits 120.9 by tuesday

Oh Lord the world is ending - petrol has today hit £1.28 a litre in town!!!

Everywhere is over £1.20 my way... bad times

Petrol seems to go up almost daily. I have not gone though all this thread but I sometimes take a look at http://www.petrolprices.com to see the best deals locally.
Ed

You think things are bad here - its €1.56 in Greece - thats just about £1.30 a litre.

[quote name='Jolly English Gentleman' date='06 June 2010 - 11:53 PM' timestamp='1275864796' post='1008996']
You think things are bad here - its €1.56 in Greece - thats just about £1.30 a litre.
[/quote]

It is down a bit locally this week. I filled up for 117.9p/litre at our local Shell station yesterday.

You must have it bad in your town then mate, it's been at £113.9 for the last week here but doesn't seem to be going any lower.

Petrol prices here in Cyprus have just come down a couple of cents. 95 octane is now €1-02. Which is about the same as £UK 0.88p a litre.

The strange thing is that here diesel is about 5% less than petrol.

Trev..

[quote name='Grumpy Cabbie' date='07 June 2010 - 10:17 AM' timestamp='1275902236' post='1009041']
You must have it bad in your town then mate, it's been at £113.9 for the last week here but doesn't seem to be going any lower.
[/quote]


thats the same price at a shell garage in NORWICH today, at long stratton a few miles away on A140 its 6p a ltr
dearer also shell garage.
maybe the dearer garage brought the fuel in when prices were higher and if they sell at lower price the losing out
so they cant be blamed.
if they brought fuel at lower price would they sell cheaper if retail price went up, not likly.

Cheapest in Cambridge is 119.9. I always try to buy in Norwich when I can, as it's always 5 or 6 pence cheaper. Sadly I can't get there often enough.