G.W.Holmes in Bishop Auckland selling petrol at 136.7p

G.W.Holmes & Son in Etherley Moor, Bishop Auckland, has consistently been called the 'cheapest in the region' - and has done it again after offering drivers petrol for 136.7p and diesel at 141.7p. 

During its latest price drop, the garage posted on its social media: "Starting the summer holidays the right way - with a fuel drop!

"Prices locked in tanks full and all Shop staff working hard to ensure all shelves are stocked and ready for the week. Thank you for the continued support from everyone at G W Holmes & Son."

The petrol sign at G.W.Holmes (Image: G.W.HOLMES)

And this price drop has pleased customers - as the petrol station has been branded a 'revelation' and 'an honest business' by those that use the Etherley Moor business. 

One person in the comment section said: "Once again this garage is looking after their customers," while one person asked: "How can they charge a lot less for fuel compared to all other suppliers? This must mean that all the others are ripping people off." 

This price drop from the County Durham petrol station comes as a UK competition watchdog said that drivers are still paying too much for their fuel, with retail margins “significantly” above historic levels.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that the fuel market is still “failing consumers” a year on from its first report that laid bare the problems in the sector.

It said that retailers’ fuel margins – the difference between what they pay for their fuel and the price they sell it at – are “still significantly above historic levels”.

Increases in fuel margins cost drivers more than £1.6 billion in 2023 alone, with supermarkets’ fuel margins now roughly double what they were in 2019, the CMA said.

The RAC motoring group said drivers feel “ripped off” by fuel retailers.

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Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “To see that drivers have paid £1.6 billion more than they should have in the last year is nothing short of outrageous, especially when so many are dependent on their vehicles.

“Drivers have every right to feel ripped off, especially knowing there is virtually no market competition between retailers.”

But with the continued reduction of prices, it's clear that G.W.Holmes are loved by the community.