Holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer may be shocked to find extortionate petrol prices, as costs have soared in the last five years.
To make matters worse, a number of popular European holiday destinations such as France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland have some of the steepest prices at the pumps.
Since 2007, fuel prices have increased by a jaw-dropping 82 per cent, Post Office research revealed. Motorists who are planning on taking their car to Europe can now expected to pay an average of £1.37 per litre.
Switzerland has been named as the country which offers the worst value for drivers of unleaded vehicles.
Italy, France and Spain followed closely behind, with fuel prices rising by 60 per cent in the past five years. On average fuel prices in Europe are 13-14p more expensive than in the UK.
Motorists heading to Italy can expect to pay a £1.67 per litre, as unleaded prices have increased by 9p and diesel prices have increased by 12p in the last year. This means that anyone driving 1,000 miles in Italy will pay £222.44, £17.64 more than a year ago.
France is another popular holiday destination where fuel prices have rocketed. Drivers will have to pay an average of £1.49 for unleaded petrol in France and £1.48 in Belgium.
“Our research shows that UK holidaymakers are not deterred by the high fuel prices they will find when driving in some countries this summer. However, it also revealed that some advance route planning with petrol prices in mind could help them cut costs,” said Andrew Brown, Post Office Head of Travel Money.
“A good tip is to fill up before leaving the UK if travelling to France or Belgium in a petrol car, divert into Luxembourg if travelling south through eastern France or detour into Andorra en route to Spain.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as diesel prices are significantly lower in Europe.
“If you are driving a diesel car, fill up as soon as you arrive on the Continent as it is much cheaper in Europe than in the UK,” added Mr Brown.
