Fuel prices in the UK have soared to record highs as the cost of oil skyrockets due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
According to figures from data firm Experian Catalist, the average cost of a litre of petrol was 155.62p, while diesel cost an eyewatering 161.28p a litre.
Just 12 months ago, the price per litre of petrol and diesel was 124.32p and 127.25p, respectively.
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It means the cost of filling up a typical 55 litre family car with either fuel has become more than £17 more expensive in that time. As reported by Wales Online, oil prices have spiked over the war in Ukraine, which has led to concerns over the reliability of supplies.
The price per litre of Brent crude - the most common method to measure the UK's oil price - reached $139 (£106) on Monday, which is its highest level in 14 years.
RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: "The average price of petrol across the UK has jumped by more than 4p in a week topping £1.55 for the first time ever, which means a gallon costs over £7 – something which many older drivers will be struggling to comprehend. Diesel, however, has increased by 6.5p a litre to £1.61 or £7.30 a gallon.
"These hikes are unprecedented and will sadly be hitting both homes and businesses hard. It's therefore vital the chancellor acts quickly to limit the damage by cutting VAT to at least 15 per cent which would save drivers 6.5p a litre and take the average price of unleaded back under £1.50."
VAT is currently charged at a rate of 20 per cent on petrol and diesel. Mr Williams said cutting VAT could also help "limit the impact" of "inevitable" further prices rises in the coming days and weeks.
AA spokesperson Luke Bosdet said: "A year ago, with pump prices rising steadily after the pandemic slump, 125p a litre was bad news but 155p was unimaginable."
He described the average petrol price rising above £7 a gallon as a "watershed moment" that means "it's time to ditch petrol and diesel, and switch to electric" for drivers who can make the transition.
He added: "Although electricity is still susceptible to rising costs and market pressures, removing all those well-to-pump actors that can make a driver's life a misery in a matter of weeks, will ensure a smoother ride with the cost of motoring - and a big saving initially."
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