Petrol prices in the UK have reached a record high, according to analysts Experian Catalist.
The figure of 119.9p per litre eclipses the previous record of 119.7p that was set in July 2008 when the price for a barrel of oil also reached a record high.
RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink told the BBC: "This is a dark day for motorists. Petrol prices have been rising steadily over the past year and have now reached the inevitable record high. However, this is only the average.
"In some areas motorists will be paying close to £6 a gallon [131.9p a litre]."
The average price of a litre of diesel currently stands at 120.65p, which is 12.6p less than the record set in July 2008.
The continued rise is being put down to the refinery costs of oil, as well as the persistent rise in duty. The most recent tax increase per litre was 1p, which was introduced a week ago. Further duty increases are scheduled for October and January.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Petrol prices hit record high
As posters have already mentioned, the escalator was brought in by the Conservatives. When they get in this time, there'll be no national assets left to sell off, so I don't think we can expect a sudden reduction in fuel duty.
Re: Petrol prices hit record high
Yep - they say "Increase in refinery costs..." but what they actually mean is "Increase in our record breaking inflated profit margins..."
Re: Petrol prices hit record high
Juice might be pricey right now but look on the bright side. Driving is still several thousand percent better than taking the bus.
My key interest is how high it has to go before we can start to see reductions in congestion, get some of the bozos off the roads, and I can get my bl**dy foot down again. Then I'll be truly happy. Come on Gordon, slap a few more quid on a gallon.