DRIVERS in Exeter are paying more for their petrol than those elsewhere in the South West, according to the city’s MP.

Labour MP Steve Race has written to two major fuel companies raising his concerns and demanding an explanation.

In his letters he highlights figures showing that motorists in Exeter are being charged notably higher prices at BP and Texaco stations compared to nearby areas. On average, unleaded petrol in Exeter currently costs around 4p more per litre than in Bristol.

His figures show that BP customers in Exeter are paying almost 11p more per litre for unleaded petrol than those in Swindon and customers at Texaco pumps are paying more than 7.5p more than those in Bristol.

Diesel prices at BP forecourts are also significantly higher, with Exeter drivers paying around 8.3p more per litre than at pumps in Swindon.

Mr Race is calling on both fuel companies to urgently explain the disparity and outline what steps they are taking to ensure fair and competitive pricing for Exeter residents.

He writes: “Be they lorry drivers, small business owners or commuters, they should not have to pay markedly higher fuel prices than other places in the South West.”

The letter concludes with a direct request to fuel companies to explain why this discrepancy between cities exists and what measures they will be putting in place to make sure both companies’ customers in Exeter are not unfairly penalised because of where they fill up.

Mr Race said: “This sort of corporate behaviour is unfair on residents, and I’m calling on the forecourt companies to lower our local prices, or provide a very good explanation as to why we have to pay higher prices than elsewhere.”

Mr Race also welcomed the government’s announcement that the 5p cut on fuel duty will be extended for the rest of the year.