Paul McElvaney, Statistician in the Environment and Climate Division, said: “At 81 million litres, clearances of petrol in July 2022 were 3% lower than in July 2021 and were 13% lower than July 2019. This fits with the general decreasing trend in petrol volumes over the last 15 years.

“Clearances in July 2022 of kerosene, mainly used as a home heating fuel, were 1% lower than in July 2021. Excise clearances in July 2022 of marked gas oil, primarily used for off-road purposes such as agriculture and heating of larger buildings, were 6% lower than in July 2021.

“These general decreasing trends in fuel excise clearances may be a result of rising fuel prices as shown in the Wholesale Price Index figures, leading to consumers cutting back on fuel use over the summer months before demand increases in winter.”