‘It’s extortionate’ – Drivers’ react as Stafford M6 services sells UK’s most expensive fuel

Motorway services are known for their eye-watering fuel prices, but the pumps at the one off the M6 near Stafford are in a league of their own.

This week, comparison website PetrolPrices announced Britain’s highest and lowest priced unleaded at each station.

Esso and BP garages at the north and southbound services both topped the list after charging 175.9p per litre at the time, nearly 44p higher than the UK average.

StokeonTrentLive head to the northbound services to see what motorists think of the announcement. At the time of the visit, the petrol price had dropped slightly to 171.9p.

Phil Stevens, stopped off at the services on his journey from Dorset to Cumbria. The 65-year-old said: “I would never buy petrol at a service station, it’s extortionate. It’s got to be at least 30p plus per litre more expensive.

The prices had dropped slightly at the time of our visit (Image: Stoke Sentinel)

“If you can’t plan your journey from start to finish without having to refuel at a service station on the motorway, you shouldn’t be on the motorway. It’s that simple.”

45-year-old Andrea Kamins, travelling from Coventry, said: “It is more expensive but it’s a major route through the country and of course, they will capitalise on that.”

Dave Prosser, 60, of Newcastle-under-Lyme had just travelled back from London. He said: “The further north you go, it seems to be cheaper up north than it is down south.”

The Moto Hospitality services boasts a lake with a water feature (Image: Stoke Sentinel)

On Monday, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published that fuel price competition has weakened after supermarkets increased their margins. The CMA is campaigning for a fuel finder scheme which would allow motorists to easily compare fuel prices.

Despite the eye watering fuel prices, the Moto Hospitality services boasts a beautiful lake with a water feature, a play park and a mini soft play for kids.

Food outlets M&S Simply Food, WH Smith’s, Burger King, KFC, Chozen noodle bar, Pret a Manger and Costa are available inside.

References

^{^} I tried Longton’s new pasta takeaway to see if the design-your-own meal lives up to the hype (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Sign up to our main daily newsletter here and get all the latest news straight to your inbox for FREE (data.reachplc.com)