GLOBAL PETROL PRICES

WITH petrol prices on the rise, families are struggling to meet the costly demands of motor vehicle expenses.
Former Enoggera business owner Tony Bebendorf along with his wife Jane and their five children know all too well about the toll rising prices can take on the average household.

HARD WORK: Tony and Jane Bebendorf have been feeling the pinch as a result of the rising cost of Petrol Price.

The Bebendorfs are now working three jobs to stay afloat after closing their autocare workshop at Enoggera due to overwhelming costs associated with rising rent and fuel expenses.

``Some weeks I'd spend more than $200 on petrol and it really takes it out of the family budget,'' Tony said.
Brisbane motorists have experienced the highest unleaded petrol prices since July 2008, with an average of 146.5cpl making Brisbane the most expensive state capital city for ULP last week.

RACQ's weekly fuel price report for 14'20 March showed that ULP prices exceeded 150cpl on the most expensive day, Monday March 14.

During the same week in March 2010, average ULP prices were 17cpl less, at 129.2cpl.
RACQ's 2010 study of the costs of owning and operating a vehicle found Queensland was one of the most expensive states.

The report showed it was more expensive to run a small car in Queensland than it was in Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia, with Queenslanders who owned medium to large cars paying more than Victorians and South Australians.

As petrol rose to over $1.50 a litre in some northwest suburbs over the weekend, RACQ executive manager of public policy Michael Roth said prices wouldn't change much over the next month.

``We expect petrol prices to stay steady (but) we are dependant on what happens in North Africa and the Middle East if tensions subside, prices will drop but if tensions escalate, prices will increase,'' he said.

How has the rising cost of fuel affected you? Add a comment below.