UK Fuel Cheapest Before Tax
Official figures show we have highest levels of fuel tax in Europe
Britain’s diesel prices are the lowest in Europe before tax – but the highest once tax has been added on, official Government figures have revealed.
The figures show that UK drivers are struggling with the biggest tax burden in Europe, and it is only likely to get bigger.
In Britain the average pre-tax price for diesel was 48.8p per litre during April, but that spiralled to 116.6p per litre at the pump. This means taxes account for a mighty 58% of the total price.
It’s a similar story with unleaded petrol. The average pre-tax price was 41.2p per litre in April – the third lowest in the EU – but this rose to 107.6p once taxes were added.
After tax, 18 other countries had cheaper unleaded, according to the figures from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
The shocking statistics come in the same week that truckers staged a protest in London, calling for the Gordon Brown to tackle rising fuel costs.
The Tories said the latest statistics showed that the Government could not blame international fuel costs for sky-high prices at the pumps.
Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Philip Hammond said: 'Gordon Brown's claim that world oil prices are to blame for the soaring cost of motoring has been exposed as a sham. The blame lies squarely with him.'
A Treasury spokesman denied that fuel taxes were too high, saying they were justified because they were green and designed to reduce carbon consumption.
Tories, the motorists friends... I think not!

Despite the fact us car nuts have been on about this issue for a long while now I only take comfort in the fact that it seems the rest of the population are also realising its gone to far. Fingers crossed something ACYAULLY gets done about it.
Who comes up with this logic? I've never understood the idea of trying to price normal people out of the market as a way of saving the environment. What about the economic issue of small companies going bust because they can't afford to operate?
This government drives me mad. At what point do we say 'enough is enough' of their profiteering at every point, especially when cars are concerned.
Scum, they’re not getting my vote ever again.
Its about priorities, everyone wants to be seen to be green, of course, but the reality is that the internal combustion engine is the very key to wealth creation.
Cut the tax or f
k the economy, their call but I guarantee if our economy becomes f
ked on the altar of green politics then that will be the end of the environmental movement. Which its supporters should think long and hard about.It must be nearly time that running your car on Nuclear Fuel is going to be more cost effective, despite the high price of Plutonium and Uranium and the costs of safe (Hmmmm) and long terms disposal. Even the government are telling everyone Nuclear is green, so therefore I am going to convert my car, a la "Back to the future". Yes the steam condensor will look unsightly and yes the radiation shielding may mean my car is full of lead and really heavy, but it will mean I can use my car for a few years before i need to refuel!
Lets see what they think about that!! ;-)
Tories, the motorists friends... I think not!

I agree there needs to be a decent level of tax but this report is damning. I dont see why we should be shafted by him over and over, I am so sick of him.
All I have to say is I wont be voting Labour in the next election. I am not saying the Tories will be much better but I think the parties are getting the idea that us voters are thinking with our pockets, so they better buck up their ideas and help things reach a suitable balance.
I predict fuel at £1.75 per litre by Christmas and £2 per litre this time next year
Any one for cycling!
I'll have a sticker on the back saying 'My other car's a Prius' to show i've got green credentials too.
The tax burden is ridiculous but it won't get much better i'm afraid and certainly not until this goverment is deposed. The fat, lying, useless, snivelling, insulated by expenses, career politicians who do not know a thing about economics.
Fuel VAT must be reduced. They're taking the pi$$! This government alone is going to be responsible for a major increase in unemloyment and a serious recession unless they act very quickly. Honestly though, it's probably already too late.
It's so easy to rant on about this and from every angle! sorry everyone, I must calm down
Will there ever be an effective protest ?
Ohh I forgot the odd kitchen refurb and free sky .
"There will always be an England" , yes but thank someone somewhere I am not paying for it .
Most annoying thing is I still (and have for the last 5 years) only had the 38p per mile casual rate allowance...when will the government increase the 40p for below 10k miles allowance? It's a scandal, at best!
If the tories get into power, it won't be because of their policies, it'll be because no one wants Labour in (a la London Mayor).
All they're doing is the traditional political argument of, kick the party in power for their policies and then keep all those money earners in place when they come to power.

If the tories do anything to aide the situation we're in now (assuming they come to power), I'll eat my hat!
hole said:Ignoring that fact that it not f
king "carbon" but "carbon dioxide", is there a r problem with emissions... or consumption?Make up your f
king minds and at least lie consistently you f
king brainless twunts!Absolute Shower![/Terry-Thomas]
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