DORSET drivers are not benefiting from a drop in world oil prices, according to the AA.

The motoring organisation said oil had gone down $10 a barrel, yet the average price of a litre of petrol had only dropped by 0.5p a litre.

And drivers the Daily Echo spoke to were not seeing any respite.

Jean Reid, from Boscombe, said: “It’s such a rip off because the oil companies seem to make so much profit and they’re the ones who benefit from it all.

“But they get away with it because most people have no choice but to drive.”

Gary James, from Poole, added: “I’ve been using my car less, I think.

“You’re more conscious of how much it is costing you every time you get in the car.”

Alan Herbert, visiting family in Bournemouth from the Midlands, said: “Can you tell me why in England diesel is more expensive than everywhere on the continent?

“They say it’s down to demand but that’s rubbish.”

His wife, Eunice, added: “Why does the petrol (price) alter from one place to another?”

Life is no better for retailers either.

Steve Poultney, who runs Avenue Garage in Swanage, said lower oil prices took two or three weeks to filter through to the pumps – yet increases were always immediate. He makes two or three pence profit per litre.

He said: “My price went down on Thursday a very small amount, 0.3p on diesel and 0.4p on petrol.

“If the barrel price increases it goes up instantly and that’s pure profiteering by, I’m guessing, commodity traders and oil companies.

“The product goes through so many levels between leaving the ground and coming to the pumps. The retailer’s lot is a very sorry one.”

While both have dropped slightly from record highs, the average UK petrol price is still 136.93p a litre, while diesel is at 141.49p.

AA president Edmund King said: “Although there is momentum for at least £2 to be knocked off the price of filling a petrol tank, drivers can’t forget that the same tank cost them £7.50 less a year ago.”

Price panel

Prices correct on May 20 Avenue Garage, Swanage 138.9p petrol 144.9p diesel Tesco, Branksome 133.9p petrol 139.9p diesel Texaco, Sandford 137.9p petrol 143.9p diesel Total, Bournemouth Road, Poole 134.9p petrol 139.9p diesel