Petrol and diesel drivers are facing yet another price hike at the pumps as the Iran war continues to have an impact on motorists around the world.
Fresh data from the AA shows that petrol prices have risen by a concerning 4.4p since the end of the summer holidays on September 1.
Similarly, diesel has jumped by 4.1p per litre, taking average costs to 166.2p for unleaded and 187.8p for diesel.
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a fever pitch once again, with the United States and Iran exchanging missile attacks, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a key chokepoint.
Some motorists are still able to make significant savings on their petrol and diesel prices, with Northern Ireland having a 6p-a-litre advantage over the rest of the UK.
Drivers in Northern Ireland are paying an average of 156.1p a litre for petrol compared to the cheapest average location in England – Yorkshire and the Humber – where fuel costs 162.2p.
Northern Ireland has had the unique benefit of utilising the Consumer Council’s Fuel Price Checker in recent years, which shows the lowest and most expensive average prices across towns and cities.
While the Government has introduced the Fuel Finder tool, it is still being rolled out across different apps and maps.
Around 380 forecourts outside of Northern Ireland are charging at least 6p a litre below average petrol prices, allowing drivers to save an average of £3.30 per tank.
Luke Bosdet, AA spokesman on pump prices, noted that drivers could make savings using the Fuel Finder scheme.
It comes as oil prices have hit $100 (£73.78) a barrel for the first time since July, indicating that further fuel hikes could be on the horizon.
Tehran targeted an American warship, prompting the United States to attack five Iranian tankers in the Strait of Hormuz this week.
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This has prompted wholesale petrol costs to rise to their highest level since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, with Mr Bosdet highlighting that average pump prices have “wasted no time in reflecting that”.
He added: “What also irritates drivers in England, Scotland and Wales is the persistent 6p gap between what they pay on average for fuel and the cheaper petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland.
“AA analysis of yesterday’s prices registered with Fuel Finder shows that, in fact, hundreds of fuel stations on the mainland manage to retail fuel at prices on a par with Northern Ireland.”
With attacks escalating in the Middle East and oil prices rising yet again, it could be a matter of time before fuel prices in the UK accelerate up again.
Average petrol prices
Northern Ireland – 156.1p
Scotland – 165p
Wales – 162.7p
North East – 162.3p
North West – 163.5p
Yorkshire and Humber – 162.2p
West Midlands – 163.8p
East Midlands – 163.5p
East of England – 164.1p
London – 164.1p
South East – 164.7p
South West – 164.1p
UK Weekly Average – 163.3p
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