DRIVERS are paying more than others for fuel in Oxfordshire simply because of where they live.

Petrol price statistics reveal the cheapest rates in some towns are up to four pence more than elsewhere in the county.

An Oxford Mail survey on Monday found the cheapest rate in Abingdon was 134.9p for a litre of unleaded compared to 130.9p in Oxford.

Petrol firms say rates may drop if there are more garages and more competition in an area.

According to the latest figures from PetrolPrices.com, Abingdon, Wantage and Didcot have the highest prices in the county with the lowest rate for a litre of unleaded at 134.9p.

But the lowest rate in Witney, like Oxford, was 130.9p.

Darren Malcott, 41, of Langley Road, Abingdon, said he always filled up in Oxford to save cash.

He said: “It feels like the whole of Abingdon is being ripped off.”

And Kirsty Exton, 62, of Westwater Way, Didcot, said unleaded petrol in Wallingford was about five pence cheaper than in Didcot last month.

She said: “I find it really frustrating that every time we go out the petrol is so much cheaper in every direction. If you are filling a full tank of petrol it adds up. It seems so unfair in these times when every penny counts.”

Abingdon cabbie Stuart Thomas said most drivers also bought fuel in Oxford. He said the saving over a year could be more than £150.

He added: “Petrol in Abingdon has always been high and there is no rhyme or reason.”

Sandy Lovatt, leader of Abingdon Town Council, said: “I am quite shocked that Abingdon should be so discriminated against. I can see no business reason for this. That is a lot of money when you fill up a car.

Brendan McLoughlin, founder of PetrolPrices.com, said: “Competitive pressure on stations is greater when they are near other stations which are cheaper and in the absence of this some keep prices high.”