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A new poll from Close Brothers Motor Finance found a staggering 51 percent of 2,000 drivers said rising costs were the biggest challenge facing road users.<\/p>\n
One in ten respondents said they were having to ask passengers to contribute towards the price of fuel when giving others lifts.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, over a quarter have had to cut back on how often they use their car in a bid to cut back on costs.<\/p>\n
Lisa Watson, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance said the latest findings would ramp up the pressure on poorer households.<\/p>\n
She explained: \u201cThe ongoing hike at the pumps will add further pressure to drivers who already feel they\u2019re faced with increased costs from all lanes.<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cConsumers all over the country are looking at ways to tackle the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With high-interest rates, inflation and the increasing prices at petrol pumps \u2013 many are now having to explore other measures to stretch their finances further \u2013 including charging loved ones for fuel when giving them a lift.\u201d<\/p>\n The RAC said the increased costs were mostly driven by higher global oil prices.<\/p>\n However, they did claim petrol was being \u201coverpriced\u201d in a thinly-veiled dig at businesses.<\/p>\n This was met with opposition by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) who called out the breakdown groups\u2019 allegations.<\/p>\n Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA said it was \u201cdisappointing\u201d to see such \u201csensational\u201d claims.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cThe prices of petrol and diesel have continued to rise throughout September, driven by Saudi Arabia\u2019s decision to extend its crude oil production cut until the end of the year and the weakening of Sterling against the US Dollar.<\/p>\n The PRA represents independent fuel retailers, which accounts for 64 percent of all forecourts, many of which are small family-run businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cContrary to claims made by the RAC, our members are not unjustifiably pricing petrol higher than needed. Fuel margins have been under pressure due to increased operational costs that our members have had to bear.\u201d<\/p>\n
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