Drivers warned of higher fuel prices on the way

Drivers have been hit by another rise in fuel prices – with more bad news on the way, according to industry experts.

Petrol prices have risen for the sixth consecutive month in April, according to new analysis by the RAC.

The average cost of a litre of unleaded went up 0.89p over the month, reaching 127.19p, according to RAC Fuel Watch.

That was the highest price petrol has reached since January last year.

Meanwhile, the cost of diesel rose by a fraction less at 0.62p per litre, bringing it to 129.73p per litre by the end of April.

This means that the cost of filling up a 55-litre family car is £69.95 for petrol models and £71.35 for diesel models.

The RAC say pump prices are likely to increase further this month due to rising oil prices.

The organisation’s fuel spokesman Simon Williams: "April marks six months of rising petrol prices and sadly there's no end in sight as oil is getting perilously close to hitting 70 US dollars a barrel, something we haven't seen for more than two years.

"If oil breaks this threshold, it will inevitably spell more bad news for drivers at the pumps.

"With lockdown restrictions easing, it's very frustrating for drivers that they're now having to contend with even higher fuel prices just at the point where many will be driving a lot more.”

He added: "But unfortunately, it's the very fact people are driving more that's causing petrol prices to go up as demand for oil, and in turn fuel, begins to outpace supply."