Comparing petrol prices in Kingston to the rest of the world

One of the most expensive London boroughs for fuel, how does Kingston compare locally and globally?

With rising inflation, an unpredictable political arena, and the increased costs of living showing no signs of abating, consumers have been keeping an eye on their pockets and the price of essentials, such as fuel.

In Greater London, petrol prices vary according to the borough you top up your fuel in, with Kingston ranking among the five most expensive.

Fuel in Wandsworth is the most expensive in Greater London at 141.9-148.9 pence per litre, two pence more than Kingston’s lowest price of 139.9.

The cheapest fuel in London can be found in Ealing, where it is eight pence cheaper than in Kingston at 131.7 pence per litre.

The price of fuel in the UK is dictated by a number of factors, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), fuel duty cost, the world price of crude oil, international exchange rates, and global supply and demand.

The location of a petrol station also plays a part in pricing. For example, in rural areas or in a motorway services where there are fewer stations to choose between, fuel is typically priced higher.

In Kingston there are 16 petrol stations within three miles of the borough’s centre. Of these, six are situated near exits of the A3 dual carriageway, which between 50-75,000 cars pass through daily on average. The lowest prices at these stations is 140 pence per litre or more.

Further afield

Petrol prices around the globe are impacted by factors similar to the UK, such as crude oil prices, and supply and demand. Where other countries source their fuel from also plays a part in the final price at the pump.

We spoke to residents in Australia, Europe, India and the USA to get a sample price comparison and to understand how locals there see the cost.

The map below illustrates the difference in price in the countries of residents interviewed.

Melbourne, Australia

Across Australia, prices are currently at a three-year low. Victoria is one of the states with the lowest price per litre currently.

The country does not rely on Russia for oil like most EU countries due to the government imposing sanctions on imports as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. These sanctions were first imposed in 2014 and, as of the 2022 extension, now include petrol alongside other Russian energy products.

Instead, approximately 90% of Australia’s fuel supply is imported. The biggest suppliers are Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and China.

Kyle Henry, a Melbourne resident, considered the price of fuel in his area unfair, and felt he shouldn’t need to spend over $100 a week (£50) to fill his car when it’s required for working and socialising.

He said: “It’s also a business that is fully aware of their product being a requirement for many people. They increase their prices for greed such as when a long weekend or public holiday rolls around. Prices magically go up because they know more people will require a full tank to make a long journey.”

When it comes to access to fuel, Henry made use of petrolspy.com to get the best price locally and said he’s “fortunate enough to be in a heavily residential area too so petrol stations are easy to come by”.

New Delhi, India

Fuel in India is costliest compared to surrounding countries, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

This is due to a few factors. Delhi resident Aryaman Sehgal said that in India, petrol prices have been rising significantly largely due to high taxation.

He said: “States impose varying VAT rates, typically ranging from 15% to 30%, as petrol is a key revenue source, while the government levies an excise duty of around 20 rupees per litre.”

“This means that while the base price of petrol is approximately 39-40 rupees per litre, taxes and dealer commissions push the final retail price well beyond a 100% markup,” he added.

Unlike in the UK, where fuel prices can vary between stations depending on where they’re situated, prices in India stay relatively consistent across the country’s states.

Delhi resident Monish Sehgal said: “Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the taxation.

“I stay in Delhi and in the whole of Delhi the price is the same whether the gas station is half a mile or 20 miles away.“

Sehgal added that neighbouring state Haryana is cheaper by one rupee, but for him it’s not worth driving 30 miles to buy from there.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

In the US, gasoline is taxed less than most other countries in the world, leading to cheaper prices when compared to the UK.

This also has led to a trend in the American automotive market of drivers buying bigger vehicles, as fuel efficiency is not as big a factor in the decision-making process.

Despite the comparatively lower price globally, a 2022 survey found 75% of respondents thought petrol in America is overpriced.

In Boston, Massachusetts, Jacob Ashe said the price for fuel is somewhat reasonable but still should go down overall as towns and cities surrounding Boston are more expensive.

In terms of accessibility to refuel, Ashe said: “I do have somewhat difficulty refuelling my car because I have to go out of town to get gas cheaper, even though it is not that far.”

The Hague, Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most expensive European countries for fuel. This is due to high taxation on petrol and diesel.

Prices are expected to jump by a further 26% due to the expiry of a fuel tax relief set by the Dutch government in 2022.

Ann Arentsen, a Dutch resident, said prices are unfair because of the taxes being so high, which pushes Nederlanders to cross European borders to pay less when refuelling.

She said: “In countries surrounding us prices are €0.25 lower. People living near the border are getting their petrol in Belgium or Germany, which is understandable.

“We live too far away to do this. Petrol stations near the border in Holland can hardly survive.”

Cognac, France

Fuel prices in France have been rising since the start of this year, caused largely by increased crude oil costs.

Taxes in the nation also make up approximately 50% of the price at the pump.

Kevin Richmond, who lives in Cognac, said: “Where we live in rural France, it’s a more a get what you are given type of thing.

“The prices fluctuate around the country depending on where you are, it’s cheaper the further south you are than up north. It’s average where I live, but I know some places are extortionate.”

When asked how accessible fuel is in more rural areas of France like Cognac, Richmond said there aren’t many petrol stations in his area, with the nearest town, Matha, only having two stations. The distance to travel to get a cheaper price is too big to justify the journey.

He added: “I think that’s the same thing for a lot of people who live in the countryside, everyone will end up going to the closest one instead of going further out. It’s more convenient.”

Recently the cheaper of the two stations in Matha was closed and relocated to the outskirts of the town. This move meant the station is now nearer to Richmond’s home but, in the time it took to relocate, residents were forced to refuel at the pricier station in the area.

“That annoyed local residents as they had to drive further out to pay more to refill,” he said. “It’s good that the cheaper station is now closer, and has a new payment system that makes things easier when you’re in a rush, but it shows how little things like relocating a station can affect rural locals.”