Petrol prices rise at stations in and around Henley

PETROL prices at stations in and around Henley have steadily increased over the past fortnight.

On average, prices in Henley have risen from 142p to 150p per litre, or an increase of nearly £5 to fill up an average sized (60 litre) petrol-powered car.

The rise in cost has been driven by the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, which has seen the production and transportation of oil across the Middle East falling.

Henley’s Shell petrol station in Reading Road has charged higher prices compared to Murco in Peppard Road, Sonning Common and Esso in Buckingham Drive, Emmer Green. The price difference between the stations has been as high as 13p per litre.

Sacha Bannatyne, who lives in Wargrave and works as a nanny, said: “I’m a single mother, which means a single income, so I’m very worried at the moment. I set a budget of £20 per week on petrol but driving to Maidenhead for work each day means I’ve stopped driving anywhere at the weekend to keep costs down. I tend to use the station at Sonning as it is usually cheaper than others.”

Chris Szweda, who lives in Henley checks petrol comparison apps such as PetrolPrices and said he avoids Henley stations, describing them as too high.

Paul Mainds, who also lives in Henley, added: “I have noticed that the Reading Road petrol station charges more than others in the area – a ‘Henley surcharge’, if you will.”

The Henley station did not respond to requests to comment and the Shell petrol company declined.

The Henley Standard checked petrol prices of nine petrol stations within a five-mile radius of Henley over an 11-day period from March 14 to March 24.