Shropshire petrol prices rocket to record high

The price of fuel in Shropshire today reached an eye-watering 149.9p a litre as cash-strapped motorists struggle to keep their tanks filled.

The price for unleaded fuel at the Shell Garage in Weston Rhyn was 134.9p, and at Oswestry's A5 service station in Mile End it was 136.9p.

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In Gledrid, Oswestry, and Four Crosses the price came in at 141.9p.

For diesel the A5 Gledrid Services prices were 148.9p and at Weston Rhyn's Shell Garage and Ruabon Service Area were charging 149.9p.

In Wem the Texaco garage was today charging 145.9p a litre for diesel and 139.9p for unleaded.

In Market Drayton Shell was charging 143.9p for diesel and 136.9p for unleaded while Morrisons was charging 140.9p for diesel and 133.9p for unleaded.

At Shawbury Service Station, prices today were 137.9p a litre for unleaded and 143.9p a litre for diesel.

Staff member Maureen Scardifield said: "It is just the same really with all the regulars coming in. I think everybody is resigned to it. They have to have fuel and get to work.

"People are probably only doing essential journeys now."

Petrol stations in south Shropshire have been forced into raising their prices after receiving soaring bills from suppliers.

Paul Heathman, managing director of Ludford Bridge Service Station in Ludlow, said his prices had risen to 139.9p for unleaded and 146.9p for diesel.

He said: "The cost of fuel from oil companies has rocketed during the past week. I think they may the highest they have ever been. They came close a couple of years ago but I think it's higher now."

Harry Tuffins supermarket in Ludlow has also set high pump prices with unleaded costing £1.38.9 a litre and diesel £1.45.9.

Michael Capper, a partner in the Springhill Service Station and MOT centre in Wellington, said the core business of vehicle testing was more profitable than fuel sales. He said: "We can't compete on price.

"We are right next to Morrisons, and we can't buy it sometimes for what Morrison sell it at."

Read more fuel price coverage in today's Shropshire Star