A TRIPLE whammy this Easter could push petrol prices up to record levels, a Huddersfield retailer has warned.

Chris Stern, of Paddock-based CJ Stern (Oils) Ltd, forecast frenzy on the forecourts as motorists bid to fill up before a possible 4p a litre fuel hike.

Chancellor Alistair Darling is set to increase fuel duty by 1p a litre from April 1 – barring any surprise measures in next week’s Budget.

But Mr Stern said linking petrol prices to inflation through the fuel escalator was likely to mean at least another 1p rise from April 1.

And the ending of tax breaks for petrol companies using “green” additives in their products could mean another 1p increase.

“We could see petrol prices rise by 3p to 4p a litre on April 1,” claimed Mr Stern.

“That will be just before Easter, which is always a busy period.

“It will be a logistical nightmare as everyone will want to fill up before the April 1 increases.

“In addition, there will be no deliveries to petrol stations on Good Friday or Easter Monday, because they are bank holidays.

“I am not suggesting there will be shortages, but it will be very busy.”

Mr Stern said pump prices had already been rising due to the weakness of the pound against the dollar and an increase in crude oil prices.

Prices across the Huddersfield area now range from about 113.9p to 117.9p a litre – with petrol and diesel prices level-pegging.

But he said: “You can see why some commentators believe prices will top 120p after April 1.”

Edmund King, president of motoring organisation the AA, urged Mr Darling to delay the April 1 increases.

He said: “The UK is barely out of recession, yet petrol prices threaten to rise to record prices seen during the boom of 2008 – shortly before the country’s collapse into recession.

“If families, drivers on fixed incomes and those on low pay were unable to cope with record prices then, they are even less likely now.”

AA research found an average family with two cars is paying £52 a month more to fill up now than a year ago.

The average petrol price in the UK is 115.9p for a litre of unleaded and 116.6p for diesel, according to www.petrolprices.com

The AA said the price increases were caused by the rise in the price of wholesale gasoline since the end of January.

Lindsay Hoyle, senior Labour MP on the Commons business select committee, said it was “a complete disgrace”.

He said: “Crude oil has gone up this year, but nothing like the rise in petrol prices.

“Motorists are being legally mugged at the forecourt by petrol companies.”

To find the cheapest petrol and diesel near you, why not use the Examiner's petrol price map.

Clicking here will  bring up a map of Huddersfield with all petrol stations on - just select the station you want and click on it.

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