Petrol Breaks 140p-a-Litre Mark For First Time

Average petrol prices have risen above 140p-per-litre for the first time, while diesel has hit a record high, according to the AA.

The average price at the pumps for petrol reached 140.2p-a-litre, with diesel at a new record of 146.72p.

Petrol prices have surged over 2.75p-a-litre in just three weeks, and nearly 8p since the beginning of the year from 132.25p.

The AA estimates that the rise has added £8.44 to the monthly running costs of an average car consuming 106.17 litres of petrol a month.

But costs will rise even further, the AA warned, with the Chancellor maintaining his planned fuel duty rise in the Budget.

Including VAT, the 3.62p per litre increase will mean an additional £12.28 in petrol costs since the start of the year.

At current prices, this would cut two-thirds of the £18.33 per month rise in personal allowance set out in the Budget, the group added.

David Bizley from RAC motoring services, said: "Just days after the Chancellor refused to cancel the planned August rise, prices have now hit another painful barrier for Britain's hard-pressed motorists.

"A figure of 140p-a-litre is a massive price for people to have to pay and there is no end in sight to rising prices.

"The way things are going the planned duty rise will see average petrol prices hit the £1.50-a-litre mark - forcing more and more people who need their cars off the road."