Motorists across Stirling are feeling the pain at the pumps - as petrol prices soar beyond £2 per litre in some stations.
The surge in petrol prices has led to landmark highs, with the average cost of filling a family car with a 55 litre fuel tank surging beyond £100 this week.
It’s a further blow for Stirling families living on the breadline, who are already feeling the pinch after a series of cost of living pressures which have seen increases to energy and food prices.
The BP garage at Stirling services was this week charging motorists £2.02.9 per litre for unleaded and £2.04.9 for diesel
A quick survey of other forecourts across the city centre by the Observer on Tuesday revealed most sites charging more than £1.80 a litre for petrol. Meanwhile, for diesel vehicles, the surge in prices has been felt even more acutely, with most forecourts advertising prices of more than £1.90 a litre.
One of the many local organisations having to adjust to the new reality of sky-high prices on the roads are Stirling and Clackmannanshire Food Train, who deliver hundreds of vital food parcels to customers all over the region.
The charity have transitioned three of their five vehicles to electric from diesel in recent years - but admit they have still been affected as fuel prices continue to surge.
Regional manager Stuart Miller said: “The impact it is having is obviously rising costs and given that charities don’t operate with large margins, much higher fuel costs means trying to find extra funding.
“There was a generous donation from SP Energy Networks to electrify a big part of our fleet in 2019 and it’s been a real godsend to have reliable electrical services to deliver our services.
“We’ve been filling up our vans just as often because our services are still consistent and we’ve been busier than before the pandemic.
“It used to cost maybe £70 to fill up a large delivery van but that’s now well over £100 to fill it up to the top and that puts stress on a tight budget.”
Motoring organisation the RAC claimed last week that it was a “dark day” as the price of filling a family car soared beyond three figures - and Stirling’s politicians have joined in with pressure on the UK Government to introduce “urgent measures” to resolve the crisis.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “Businesses and households are reeling in my constituency - it’s one thing after another in recent months.
“I understand some elements are global and beyond the remit of the UK Government, but more focus and action must be swiftly kicked into high gear to contain this cost of living crisis.
“There’s flashing red lights on our economic dashboard and people are at breaking point. Fuel costs add to the growing woes facing our Stirling constituents - I urge the UK Chancellor to stop the dithering, listen to industry and do his job.”
Meanwhile, Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed added: “People are hurting across Stirling, with some worried how they can afford to drive to work whilst also putting food on the table.
“We cannot afford further delay from the UK Government on this. Fuel prices are skyrocketing, and join the long list of rising taxes, increasing fuel and food bills and soaring inflation. Policy levers to begin addressing these concerns are at the fingertips of UK Tory Government ministers.
“They need to put an end to the melodrama by dumping Boris Johnson, and start getting on with the day job of really helping people. Stirling expects no less.”
