FLEET drivers using unleaded and diesel fuels have been hardest hit by price rises over the past 12 months, according to new research from PHH Allstar. The increase in unleaded fuel of around 12.7% during the year has resulted in an additional bill of £30 million for Britain's company car operators compared with more damaging, leaded four star.

The PHH figures show that four star prices have risen by 9.9%, compared with 15.1% for diesel and 16.8% for super unleaded in the year to November 2, 1996. Motorists are now paying £3 more for a typical fill up of unleaded than they did in November 1995, while the price increase for an equivalent fill up of four star is 40p lower at £2.61.

The results have prompted PHH to urge the Chancellor to target most of his Budget tax increases on leaded four star to help even up the market.

Highest and lowest fuel prices nationwide, according to PHH AllStar's latest fuel report are diesel: highest - Belfast 282.71p a gallon/63.67p a litre, lowest - Southampton 264.8/58.25p; super unleaded: highest - Plymouth 304.67p/67.02p, lowest - Bradford 272.39p/59.92p; unleaded: highest - Dover 274.85p/60.46p, lowest - Bangor 258.8p/56.93p; four star; highest - Northampton 298.21p/65.6p, lowest - Bangor 278.53p/61.27p.