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Motoring news

Motoring costs fall across Europe

03/07/2009

Motoring costs have fallen across Europe over the last 12 months, according to a yearly report by the Post Office.

Motoring on the Continent, produced by Post Office Travel Services, shows that petrol and diesel prices have plummeted in a range of destinations, while the cost of car rental has also come down.

Although the report, which examines 12 European countries including the UK, makes happy reading for those driving abroad, it reveals that UK motorists now face the second most expensive diesel price. In last year's analysis, the UK was third priciest.

The UK is the only country where diesel costs more than unleaded petrol, at an average of 105p per litre compared with 104p for petrol. But the fuel has become much cheaper in Europe since the 2008 report - prices have fallen by 31p per litre in Norway, and by 24p per litre in the UK.

The cheapest diesel can be found in Austria, where a litre costs just 82p.

Switzerland tops the table as the cheapest country for unleaded - at 91p per litre - with Austria and Spain just behind on 92p. The UK, where unleaded fuel has become 10% cheaper since this time last year, is fifth.

Overall, costs have fallen by as much as 12% for unleaded petrol and by up to 32% for diesel compared to last year. However, the report warns that pump prices can vary "dramatically".

"UK holidaymakers travelling by car can make savings by planning itineraries carefully," it notes.

Meanwhile, Portugal emerged as the best value destination for car hire, with a three-day lease of a petrol-fuelled car costing £101; £10 cheaper than in the UK, the second-placed country.