PETROL prices may have lowered in recent months since the Chronicle began an online campaign - but Barnsley motorists are still paying through the nozzle when compared to their near neighbours and those in the Prime Minister’s wealthy constituency of Richmond. The Chronicle’s chief reporter Jack Tolson is on a mission to find out why...
IN some areas of Barnsley, it’ll cost 142.9 pence per litre for residents to fill up their tanks.
The most recent figures show the cheapest locals will be able to find petrol is 139.9p - and you’ll struggle to find anywhere more expensive across the entire country.
In fact, there isn’t a town or city in either West or South Yorkshire where you’ll be able to fill up your tank for a more expensive price.
In Sheffield and Rotherham prices are just 136.9 pence per litre, and it’s even cheaper in Doncaster.
Meanwhile in Leeds there’s multiple areas with prices as low as 133.9 pence per litre.
But why is this?
The truth is we can’t seem to get a reasonable answer from anybody.
Are the hard-working residents of Barnsley, who are some of the hardest-hit in the entire country, being taken for a ride by petrol suppliers?
Let’s take Mayfair for example, one of the most desirable areas in the country where one-bedroom apartments cost at least £1m to buy.
Those who live there can pick up a litre of petrol for two pence a litre cheaper than those in Barnsley, where the average house price is just £163,504.
We at the Chronicle don’t think this is fair - and neither should you.
For far too long the town has been put on a back burner, whether it be by the government or other major authorities.
Let’s not forget Barnsley Council has only received one round of Levelling Up funding, whilst Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s constituency of Richmond - one of the most well-off areas in the country - even received cash before our borough did.
Oh, and it’s also cheaper to fill your tank up in the North Yorkshire suburb as well.
Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock has been out and about in Barnsley asking residents to support the Chronicle campaign to lower petrol prices across the town.
Ms Peacock was outside Asda in Worsbrough collecting signatures for the petition.
She said: “Petrol in Barnsley is regularly higher than neighbouring areas, and even central London.
“Barnsley motorists should not be paying a petrol price premium.
“Over the past few months, I have noticed that petrol prices in Barnsley are regularly approximately three pence per litre higher than in neighbouring areas, such as Wakefield and Kirklees.
“Recently, petrol prices in Barnsley have been at two pence per litre higher than in Central London.
“I do not think that this is fair.
“In July, I wrote to local fuel providers to ask them why their prices in Barnsley are higher than in other local areas, and urged them to lower them to a fairer rate. I am disappointed that none of them have lowered their prices so far.
“I have raised this issue in the House of Commons Chamber, most recently asking what the government plan to do to tackle local and regional disparities in petrol prices.
“I will continue to call on petrol providers and the government for action to lower petrol prices in Barnsley.”
The petition, which has been backed by Ms Peacock and other influential people in the town, is set to be delivered to Parliament in the future.
You can sign it on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
Barnsley - 139.9p
Sheffield - 136.9p
Rotherham - 136.9p
Doncaster - 136.8p
Leeds - 133.9p
Wakefield - 135.9p
Huddersfield - 137.7p
Fulham - 137.9p
Richmond - 136.9p
Mayfair - 137.9p
Manchester - 134.9p
HERE’S a few ways you can spend less on your petrol each month...
The Chronicle contacted Which? - the UK’s number one consumer choice association - to explain the reason one of the most deprived areas in the country is being dealt the short end of the stick.
They offered some ways to save money when filling up your tank.
Ele Clarke, a Which? money expert, said: “While fuel prices have finally begun to fall, motorists are still likely to notice significant differences in price depending on where they fill up - with motorway service stations usually among the most costly options.
“Supermarket forecourts meanwhile will usually offer the most competitive prices, but always shop around to find the best rate.
“Websites such as petrolprices.com show the cheapest locations and some sat nav apps, such as Waze, display live prices for stations nearby and on your route.
“There are some simple steps you can take to be more fuel efficient, such as accelerating smoothly, and building speed gradually to avoid having to use the brakes excessively.
“Changing gears early to avoid revving the engine, and ‘skipping’ gears in a manual car can also help cut down fuel consumption.
“If you can, limit the amount of weight you’re carrying in the boot, particularly before a journey.
“In hot weather, using air conditioning will be better than having open windows, as this can create a significant aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel efficiency.”
