Misery for motorists as fuel prices rise sharply

Petrol pump prices have risen sharply after falling back during the summer, the AA has today.

Petrol now costs an average of 117.75p a litre - an increase of 2.5p compared with the mid-September price.

Diesel has gone up even further. It increased by 3.28p, to reach an average price of 121.30p a litre.

Rising oil prices in early October, and a government-planned fuel-duty rise on 1 October, contributed to the petrol and diesel increase.

The AA said UK diesel drivers would be concerned that the price differential between petrol and diesel had widened to 3.55p a litre for the first time since early June 2009.

It added that for UK families trying to digest the impact of government cuts, this month's 1.25-a-tank increase in petrol costs has added 5.30 to the monthly fuel spend of a two-car household.

London remains the most expensive region for petrol, averaging 118.4p a litre, with Yorkshire and Humberside cheapest at 116.8p.

Wales has become the dearest nation or region for diesel at 122.2p a litre, while Yorkshire and Humberside motorists enjoy the lowest average price - at just 120.6p a litre.

AA president Edmund King said: "Price hikes will be felt this weekend as record numbers take to the roads for the half-term getaway (south of the Border].

"This month's fuel price rises will put pressure on families and inflation targets, although the government must be keeping its fingers crossed for a stronger pound and less speculation in the oil and fuel markets as it tightens the financial screw."