Petrol prices continue to soar as war rages on in Ukraine
AS the conflict in Ukraine rages on, residents in Cardiff are feeling the financial impact over 1,500 miles away.
Sanctions imposed on Russia, which provides a third of Europe’s total oil supplies, have driven up fuel prices across the continent.
The average cost of petrol in the UK reached 152.9p on Sunday, with diesel prices rising to 158.9p, according to the latest government data. Prices are expected to top £1.60 per litre by the end of this week.
The soaring prices have proved unpopular with Cardiff residents and have hit transport services particularly hard.
Khalid Gadelseed, 49, a taxi driver in Cardiff, said: “We’re struggling. I’ve been a taxi driver for 10 years and we’ve never had hard times like this.
“The fuel prices go up and the meter is still the same. I used to be able to fill up my car for £75 and now it’s around £100.
“It doesn’t look like it’ll be resolved quickly. No-one is making any effort to help us, no-one is telling us when it’s going to end or how long we’re going to cope. We’re in a grey area where we’re losing profit.
“We don’t know what’s going on.”
Rhodri Davies, 22, who works in Swansea but lives in Canton, said: “Seeing fuel prices rocket recently has made me think twice before jumping into the car because every trip is far dearer than usual.
“My work has now started a hybrid working environment where we have the choice to work from the office or from home.
“Because I have to drive to work, the price of fuel is a huge consideration when weighing up the benefits of going into the office or staying at home.”
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We fully recognise the impact of inflation and the pressure households are under, which is why we’re providing a £330m cost of living support package.
“This includes the £150 cost-of‑living payment as well as an extra £200 for low income households through a winter fuel payment next winter.
“The UK Government’s Spring Statement later this month must be a catalyst to provide people with more support to manage the increasing costs of living.”
