Diesel breaks £1.50 per litre barrier for the first time

The average price of diesel has exceeded 150p per litre for the first time ever, according to the latest fuel price data.

Figures from the AA show that the average price around the UK climbed to 150.5p on Saturday before dipping slightly on Sunday to 150.09p.

It is the first time the average price of the fuel has topped 150p per litre and comes in the wake of weeks of record-breaking fuel costs.

In October, diesel prices broke the previous record set in April 2012, reaching 147.93p. Petrol also reached a new high last month, hitting a record 144.35p, and both have continued to rise since then.

The AA’s fuel spokesman Luke Bosdet said the rise wasn’t just bad news for drivers filling up at the pumps but also for consumers, who were likely to see higher prices at the shops as retailers pass on their rising operating costs.

He commented: “Diesel setting a record of £1.50 a litre isn’t just yet another milestone along a bleak road of pump price increases this year.

“As the workhorse fuel for deliveries and craftspeople who drive to customers, it will likely usher in even higher costs for goods and services.

“Many bigger businesses have insulated themselves against higher fuel costs with a system of surcharges on deliveries.

“If pump prices go up, their customers pay a percentage more for deliveries, and that gets passed on to the consumer.

“However, smaller businesses, particularly in rural areas, have little choice but to charge shoppers and clients directly. That strains customer relations and potentially puts jobs and contracts in jeopardy.”

The RAC’s Simon Williams added that the latest record-breaking figures were a “miserable milestone” and would exacerbate problems for households already facing soaring energy bills.