Cheaper petrol makes for cheaper European holidays
New research published by the Post Office shows that petrol and diesel prices have plummeted in Europe, making some holiday destinations even more enticing as the UK weather continues to disappoint.
As the pound continues to make gains on the euro, many holidaymakers still considering a last-minute trip abroad will welcome news that fuel is cheapest on the continent.
Switzerland came in as cheapest for petrol at just 91p per litre, while Austria proved the cheapest for diesel at just 83p per litre (having fallen 18% year on year).
However, the report also highlights which countries are the best value overall, with Spain and Austria proving the most pocket-friendly. Those driving in these two countries will find the average price to be just a penny more than Switzerland, while diesel is much less.
The Netherlands was the most expensive, with full averaging around 34% more than cheap Austria, Spain and Switzerland.
The UK however is not far behind. Despite there having been a 19% decrease in fuel prices over the last year, the UK is the only country out of 12 where diesel is more expensive than petrol. This means we have the second most expensive diesel costs after Norway, yet petrol is 10% less here than it was a year ago.
Sarah Munro, holiday and travel insurance specialist at the Post Office, said: "Sterling is recovering just in time for the holiday season and combined with the price reductions for fuel and car hire, UK drivers can get more miles for the same money.
"Whilst price reductions introduced since last year are make motoring holidays an attractive proposition, tourists need to check the price of unleaded petrol compared to diesel to ensure they don't get caught out."
It is not just fuel which is tempting people abroad last minute. Munro continued: "This year's report shows more evidence of price cutting activity to boost tourism in popular European summer holiday resorts.
"The huge drop in car hire costs in both Portugal and Greece is great news for UK tourists and is another factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a holiday this year."
12 August 2009
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