Supermarket giant ASDA has announced it is cutting the price of a litre of petrol and diesel by 2p. It says that customers will therefore not pay more than 131.7p for a litre of petrol and 137.7p for a litre of diesel.
Tesco and Sainsbury's said they will also be cutting the cost of petrol.
As has become common, the supermarkets are leading the way when a price cut becomes possible – in this case because of the reduced cost of wholesale petrol. But the cost of petrol remains high, and it appears to be the opinion of many that the real culprit, , is the government, which is responsible for 81 pence of the entire cost of a litre of petrol.
While this source of tax revenue is very lucrative for the Treasury, some suggest that the high cost of fuel is inhibiting the country's economic revival. A cut in fuel duty, they say, would stimulate growth.
Such a theory – impossible as it is to prove – will not be seen as more attractive than the current situation, which generates millions of pounds for the government each year. With more fuel efficient cars on the road than ever, it is increasingly less likely that Osborne and Co will give the motorist a tax break: the funds that drivers contribute are too important to the government's cash flow.
Some bodies are suggesting that the amount of tax paid should be clearly printed on each and every fuel receipt, so drivers are more aware of how much goes to the Treasury.
Thankfully, reliable breakdown cover for a reasonable price is a lot easier to come by than a reasonably priced petrol retailer.
Breakdown Cover from 
