Fuel prices

[Angus]

I note that petrol and diesel are now the same price, instead of diesel being about 7p/litre more expensive.

Any one know why?

[Ynot]

Don't know the answer, but I did spot a garage yesterday where unleaded was 2p per litre more than diesel.

[Octy_Ross]

Could it be the demand for diesel is down ?

My understanding of the reason behind high prices was the low capacity for production in this country, coupled with high and increasing demand pushed the price up.

If the LGV's aren't doing as much LGVing and there are more people out of work, then demand for fuel will fall - as the demand for goods in shops falls.

[michael769]

Could it be the demand for diesel is down ?

My understanding of the reason behind high prices was the low capacity for production in this country, coupled with high and increasing demand pushed the price up.

My understanding was that UK capacity for refining was below the demand for diesil and we were importing a lot from Europe which pushed up the cost, but that work was underway to increase refinery capacity. Perhaps that new capacity has come onstream?

There is an annual cycle to diesil vs petrol prices. In the winter demand for heating oil (which uses a similar heavy fraction) pushes the cost of the heavier crudes up, while in summer the US "driving season" pushes the cost of the lighter curdes up.

[TripleS]

Could it be the demand for diesel is down ?

My understanding of the reason behind high prices was the low capacity for production in this country, coupled with high and increasing demand pushed the price up.

If the LGV's aren't doing as much LGVing and there are more people out of work, then demand for fuel will fall - as the demand for goods in shops falls.

I expect those factors will affect the issue, but it's mainly down to my increased focus on economy driving, which I'm doing mainly to please Martine.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[martine]

...but it's mainly down to my increased focus on economy driving, which I'm doing mainly to please Martine.

[TripleS]

...but it's mainly down to my increased focus on economy driving, which I'm doing mainly to please Martine.

Eco driving is the future - well, part of the time. I do not believe it should be dismissed totally; either on an 'advanced driving' basis, or any other.

....but I don't want a car that decides for itself to switch off the engine when stopped for more than 3.4 seconds etc., or whatever it is = so Audi can get stuffed with their stop-start technology.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[ScoobyChris]

so Audi can get stuffed with their stop-start technology.

Is that not BMW?

Chris

[jont]

so Audi can get stuffed with their stop-start technology.

Is that not BMW?

They're all at it these days. I know BMW do, and I've seen Audi adverts mentioning it recently too. Pretty sure it's the only way to meet EU regs that will be brought in eventually,

[moncainthewilds]

For those who don't know visit www.petrolprices.com and you can find out the cheapest fuel in your area or wherever you may be driving.

Monica

[Renny]

My understanding was that UK capacity for refining was below the demand for diesil and we were importing a lot from Europe which pushed up the cost, but that work was underway to increase refinery capacity. Perhaps that new capacity has come onstream?

There is an annual cycle to diesil vs petrol prices. In the winter demand for heating oil (which uses a similar heavy fraction) pushes the cost of the heavier crudes up, while in summer the US "driving season" pushes the cost of the lighter curdes up.

That's what I thought as well.

[TripleS]

so Audi can get stuffed with their stop-start technology.

Is that not BMW?

They're all at it these days. I know BMW do, and I've seen Audi adverts mentioning it recently too. Pretty sure it's the only way to meet EU regs that will be brought in eventually,

We need to get rid of the EU then, or at least stop accepting their nonsense. If that means the UK withdraws from the EU, so be it.

....and in the meantime we should stop buying the products of companies that co-operate with this crap.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[MGF]

We need to validate the 'nonsense' in the media before making any rash decisions about where we spend our money. As far as CO2 targets are concerned they go further than the EU as we have signed up to international treaties that commit us to reducing these. That is the root of the problem. The EU's role should be to ensure that member states aren't put at a disadvantage by complying with meeting these targets when other member states may not be.

[PeterE]

....but I don't want a car that decides for itself to switch off the engine when stopped for more than 3.4 seconds etc., or whatever it is = so Audi can get stuffed with their stop-start technology.

AIUI these systems can be manually disabled if you want.

And does anyone know if the engine still switches off if the aircon compressor is operating, as surely that would flatten the battery in short order?

[jont]

And does anyone know if the engine still switches off if the aircon compressor is operating, as surely that would flatten the battery in short order?

Usually the compressor is driven off the crank (via a belt/pulleys) in the same way as the alternator, so if the engine isn't turning, the air-con compressor won't be either. More interesting will be in winter when you've got headlights, demisters etc etc. You would hope with the modern electronics in cars they can monitor battery voltage/drain and restart the engine before it gets too flat to crank properly.