New figures show average petrol prices have exceeded £1.70 per litre for the first time. The average price for a litre of petrol at UK forecourts yesterday (May 24) was 170.4p, according to data company Experian Catalist.
Diesel also hit a record high of 181.4p per litre. This time last year, petrol was 129.0p per litre, with diesel at 131.3p per litre.
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said the price of petrol has reached "another unfortunate landmark". Oil prices are continuing to rise as a result of rising demand, exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.