It is no coincidence, although those responsible will say otherwise, that fuel costs are going up as the big July/August change over approaches.

There is no other time when there are so many people on the roads in Spain, as those finishing their summer holidays in July are joined by those beginning theirs in August – and petroleum companies, like bears waiting for salmon to jump the rapids, make an easy killing.

If a month ago diesel cost 1.434 per litre, now it’s standing at 1.488, depending on which gasolinera you use. The price of petrol (gasoline) shows a greater increase; whereas it stood at 1,598 per litre, it already costs 1.636 per litre yesterday.

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) calculates that this weekend around eight-million drivers will be on the road. Operación Salida, begins today and concludes on Tuesday, which is the first.

(News: Spain)