SCORES of motorists took advantage of cheap petrol yesterday as a Suffolk garage slashed its prices in protest of fuel duty increases.

Naomi Cassidy

SCORES of motorists took advantage of cheap petrol yesterday as a Suffolk garage slashed its prices in protest of fuel duty increases.

The reduction of 5p per litre of petrol at the Jet-owned garage at Darsham on the A12 attracted more attention than expected with the allotted 6,000 litres of diesel being sold out on the first day of the sale. The reduced prices, which are due to continue until tomorrow night, are a protest against a 2p increase in fuel duty due to come into effect tomorrow.

The slash in prices will cost the service station approximately �2,000 to �3,000 in lost revenue.

Chris Woodruff, the managing director at Darsham Service Station, said: “We have had many customers come to the garage and have got a great response. Some came up and shook my hand and said thank you so much.

“The numbers of people were managed well so that there wasn't any disruption caused on the A12.”

This is the second time that Mr Woodruff has taken a stand against the government's increased costs for motorists. He first cut VAT off his pump prices in December last year.

There were 6,000 litres of diesel ordered to last the entire three days for his latest offer but the garage already sold out of it by last night. Further deliveries will be made today. Pump prices dropped to 84.9p a litre for unleaded petrol and 94.9p a litre for diesel from yesterday morning.

He added: “There has been a lot more people coming here to fill up than I budgeted for.

“This is possibly going to the last stand I take. I spent �1,200 on doing this last time and maybe �2,000/�3,000 this time. I love my customers and would do anything for them but I cannot jeopardise my company. How much more can the government put on fuel?

“We must have the highest tax on fuel in Europe at 71% (71p on every �1 on fuel).”

With the expected duty increase on Wednesday, petrol prices could rise by as much as ten pence per litre.

Vouchers will be given out today and tomorrow at the filling station for customers to redeem from April 2 for 2p a litre off - wiping off the new duty rise.