Including the Government's April 1 fuel duty increase, average UK petrol prices have risen 4.45p in a month.

 

The AA said that this rise, from 90.56p a litre to 95.01p a litre, had coincided with the price of oil rising about five dollars a barrel.

 

This spring's leap has increased the cost of a tank of petrol by £2.23, lifting the monthly fuel spend for a family with two petrol cars by £9.65. Petrol prices were last at 95p a litre on November 13 last year.

 

AA president Edmund King said: "For UK drivers, despite being in a recession, rising fuel costs are again making it hard to make ends meet for UK families. This means they will cut back on other spending in leisure and the high street, undermining economic recovery.

 

"Increases in fuel duty by the Government are also contributing. Let us hope there is some good news for motorists in the form of a scrappage grant for older cars in next week's budget."