Motorists unhappy with 'exorbitant' costs

Rising fuel costs is the latest blow for motorists who already feel they are being ripped off in the garage, it emerged today.

A new survey showed 96% of people believe they are facing exorbitant motoring charges as it was revealed the price of unleaded petrol may soar to €1.20 for a litre in the coming weeks.

Goodbody Stockbrokers economist Dermot O’Leary revealed the prices of oil and gasoline have been rising steadily over the past few weeks.

“This morning oil prices per barrel have gone to nearly $71,” he said, revealing there has been a steady rise over the past few weeks.

Mr O’Leary said the increases were nearly at the same level as September 2005 when oil prices spiked.

The economist said the price of a litre of unleaded petrol hit €1.17 then, but he predicted prices could rise to €1.20 a litre at the pump this time.

“It is not actually one thing causing the rise. The current rise in caused by tensions in Iran, which is the fourth-biggest producer of oil,” he said.

The worries over rising prices were voiced as a survey revealed 57% of people feel they are being ripped off for mechanics’ labour on cars and 39% of people fear they are being overcharged for parts.

A survey from online car parts company Micksgarage.ie found a quarter of drivers are annoyed at the conditions of roads, 25% feel daily running costs are too high and 17% said VRT was a rip-off.

Ciarán Crean, managing director of Micksgarage.ie, said: “The survey revealed that many people in Ireland feel that they aren’t getting good value in the motor service industry with regard to both parts and labour.

“The results also revealed that online shoppers certainly seem to be price savvy and conscientious, with many shopping around for good value and requesting a breakdown when getting a quote for motor work.

“The condition of Irish roads and the daily running costs of a vehicle are the joint biggest gripes from our respondents, with issues such as VRT and road rage also annoying drivers.”

Around 70% of the 300 people surveyed said they request a breakdown of parts and labour when they get a quote from their garage.