Petrol sales fell 10% in March to a record low of 1.31bn litres following a 4% growth in February when drivers took advantage of prices 22p a litre lower than the year before.
Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, comments: “According to figures highlighted by the RAC March has seen the lowest petrol sales in 25 years due to rising pump prices. Business drivers and commercial vehicles are dominating diesel engines which is why diesel’s share of new car sales has been increasing steadily with figures published for 2014 showing more than half of new car sales were of diesel vehicles. Diesel sales have overtaken petrol due to the increased number of commercial vehicles on the roads facing increased journeys due to internet sales and delivery.
Robinson continues: “The decline in petrol sales has been apparent for several years as motorists switched to diesel for better fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. Diesel fuel sales overtook petrol sales in 2007 (diesel 25.5bn v petrol 24bn litres) and have continued to grow to 27.9bn litres in 2014 in contrast to just 17.6bn litres of petrol.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Rupal Rawal, Communications Officer
Tel: 020 7307 3412
Mob: 07528 977 157
Press Office direct line: 020 7307 3422
Press Office fax: 020 7307 3406
Web: www.rmif.co.uk Email: rupal.rawal@rmif.co.uk
The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.
