Expert: Graham Thomas - 2/2/2006

Question
Hello!

I know that the questions subject strickes a kind of odd but it is because a conversation I had with a few friends of mine!
In the USA the major fuel is petrol, but it seems that is europe it isn't, in fact it seems that it is diesel, and the selling price is actually higher by the liter there than here by the gallon!
Could you tell me a bit more about it, regarding the UK, like the prices of fuel, and the prefered gas type used!
Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hi Erick

The costs of fuel varies throughout all the countries in Europe but generally diesel fuel is cheaper than petrol in mainland Europe.

The costs of both kinds of fuel is much higher over here due to the amount of tax that is levied.

In the UK petrol is still the main fuel used but diesel has caught on as it gives better mileage, diesel engines last longer and the emissions are less harmful. In mainland Europe I think there are more diesel as the fuel is cheaper

I think in the UK fuel is nearly £1.00 a liter now - either diesel or unleaded petrol. I was in the US in November and gas is always much much cheaper there.

I personally drive a VW Golf which has a 1.9 ltr diesel engine which is very nippy and very economical to run - the new diesel engines are much quieter and have more sound proofing so it does not sound like you are driving a truck!

hope this helps

Graham