As I started the machine, and the liquid gold began to course through its veins, I pondered her question. Whose fault is it, then? Why is petrol in this country so infernally expensive? It seems to cost twice as much, even allowing for inflation, as it did 10 years ago, when the hauliers launched their doomed revolt. The price clobbers small business and makes life very tough for people in rural areas who don't have access to good public transport. Some people seem to think the position has been exacerbated by the weakness of sterling against the dollar, though the pound is not appreciably weaker than it was last October, and yet the price of petrol is now heading for £1.29 per litre.