By Matt Johnson

matt.johnson@essnmedia.co.uk

Drivers in Croydon could be shelling out hundreds of pounds more at the pumps than people elsewhere in the UK.

Figures from internet site PetrolPrices.com reveal that motorists in south London are typically paying 3p a litre over the national average for unleaded petrol and 2p a litre more for diesel.

And unleaded petrol in Croydon can be up to 7p a litre more expensive than the UK's cheapest, currently on sale in the Northeast at just 95.9p a litre.

This equates to £3.55 more per fill up for Croydon drivers - or £170 a year (based on one full tank of petrol a week).

While prices in our borough do vary, the overall increase has outraged local motorists who demand to know why they are paying more.

Christian Holst, 37, of Harold Road, Upper Norwood, noticed a significant difference in the cost of fuel on a recent trip to North Wales.

He said: "It's a rip off.

"How can it be cheaper for somewhere rural like Wales for supermarkets and independent retailers to be able to sell petrol at rates, somewhat cheaper than somewhere like South London?"

Louise Doherty, spokeswoman for PetrolPrices.com, said: "The average price of unleaded in Croydon is 105.0p and diesel is 116.4p, compared to a UK national averages of 102.2p and 114.1p respectively.

"Price discrepancies will always exist because different retailers get their fuel from different suppliers so their profit margins vary.

"The main reason that prices vary across the country is local pricing.

"Asda and Morrisons are the only retailers to have a national pricing structure, whereas other retailers price their fuel to compete with their local stations.

"If a town has lots of relatively isolated stations competition will be lower and prices are likely to be higher. This could be a reason that Croydon are seeing above average prices."