asked the Secretary of State for Energy how the price of a gallon of petrol (4-star) is divided up into its component costs.

It is not possible to give authoritative figures for the component costs of a gallon of petrol, as requested, since they vary according to such factors as the company concerned, its product balance and source of supply.Although maximum retail price control on petrol has been lifted, a typical retail price for four-star petrol in the inner zone is now thought to be about 72½p per gallon. This figure includes hydrocarbon oil duty of 22½p and value added tax at the rate of 25 per cent.