Running on Empty
I heard on the radio this morning that breakdown service Green Flag experienced a 40% increase in the number of fuel related call-outs in the second half of January compared to the same time in December.
Two years ago a litre of petrol cost around 86.6 pence but now the average cost of a litre is 128.3p, an increase of 68%. It's no wonder that people are trying to eke out every last drop of petrol before refuelling!
The poll also found that over 30% of drivers have cut down on the amount they use their car to offset the rising price of fuel.
Dan Robinson, head of Green Flag, said: "For most, driving is a necessity rather than a choice and, despite government speculation about stability, high fuel prices are here to stay, placing pressure on the motorist's pocket."
Above inflation fuel duty increases and oil price volatility has been to blame but are the motorists the only ones who are suffering? Energy giant Shell reported they made £1.6m an hour over the last three months, a bitter pill to swallow for those who are struggling to stay on the road.
But it's not just the rise in fuel prices that is causing us to run on empty. World food prices rose to a record in December 2010 and January's VAT hike has seen food prices rise substantially. It's predicted that food price inflation will be 2 to 4% in 2011 with staples such as bread, rice and milk seeing the biggest price increases.
The rising price of fuel and food is pushing up the cost of living too, but wages have not followed suit! Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, recently warned that families face the worst squeeze on their spending power since the 1920s.
Whilst I don't have a family or drive a BMW in Aberdeen I have been feeling the pinch, this morning I was nearly one of those 48% of drivers who are dangerously close to empty.
Questions and Answers
In 1935, the Toyota motor corporation had launched its first model in the markets of US. The founder of this manufacturing company is Kiichiro Toyoda.Nowadays, it is considered as number one Japanese automobile company in all over the world. It is well known for its refined and well designed vehicles and gained popularity in very short duration of time.
Bentley has proven to be the extravagant vehicle for giving the classy touch. And these cars are used for family day out or for business purpose also, means multipurpose.
Many people in San Diego, California are very particular when it comes to their vehicles. They fuss about the way these look, what kind of model and type, or how fast these are.
Windshield wiper blades are essential parts of safety. They give the driver a clear and unobstructed view of the street especially during winter and rainy season. Whenever small droplets of water or snow get on accumulated on the windshield, the wiper blades wipe the windshield and keep it clean. Different kinds of windshield wipers are available in places like Riverside windshield replacement.
Windshield wiper blades are very important since they ensure safety of the vehicle, the driver and the people inside the vehicle. They protect you from rid of snow, rain, dirt and dust from the windshield of your vehicle. They are made of flexible and thin rubber material. It is always essential to get the best type of wiper for your windshield from windshield repair Sacramento firms.
The five-door hatchback electric car, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is produced by Mitsubishi Motors since 2009. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV was launched for fleet customers in Japan in July 2009, and on April 1, 2010, for the wider public. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is also sold in Europe rebadged by PSA Peugeot Citroen as the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero.
2012 is a celebratory year for us Brits, this year is full of fun events and we will be the centre of attention around the globe. The Olympics kick off at the end of July, they will last a month before the Paralympics kick off. We have the Queens Diamond Jubilee to celebrate in the first week of June; there will be many organised street parties and festivals.
Most of us have at some point in our driving lives hired a car. Either when on holiday or because you needed a van to move your belongings from A to B. When hiring a car some people book ahead of their holiday and more often than not the car hire companies will offer you some sort of discount in terms of percentages off or upgrades to a better package. You might think you are getting a good deal but that might not always be the case.
If you own a nice car you would want to take good care of it and make sure it is always in tip top shape by both servicing it on a regular basis but also keeping it clean at all times.
Autumn is yet again upon us and when the rain start pouring down outside it is easy to stay indoors, look out the window at the rain and bemoan the fact that this summer has been lousy and that you feel cooped up.
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