Shop around before filling up for Labour weekend

People heading away for the long weekend should shop around before filling up the tank after two of the four major oil companies raised their petrol and diesel prices.

Last night BP raised its petrol price by 4c a litre and diesel by 7c, and today Mobil and Caltex followed suit.

However, Shell is hoping it will not have to put up its petrol prices over the holiday weekend.

Shell says it does not want to undo the good work after reducing prices last week.

Spokesman Antonius Papaspiropoulus says the company's greatest concern is the cost of diesel, which is under a huge amount of pressure.

The approach of winter in the northern hemisphere means increasing demand for diesel fuel, which is also used for home heating, and that is pushing up costs internationally.

At this stage, says Mr Papaspiropoulus, Shell is absorbing the increased costs.

Challenge is currently considering its position.

- IRN and HERALD ONLINE STAFF