The good news is that recent price rises in petrol are not expected to continue to increase, having now hit around £1.50 due to supply cuts.

The RAC, which monitors prices across the UK, is now forecasting that they will stay around the same mark at least over the coming week.

The UK's average unleaded price is currently 151.19p a litre, although drivers can expect to pay more like 174.51 at motorway services.

Prices hit £1.50 earlier in August, the first time since January, due in part to global production cuts in the amount of oil being offered to the markets. The decision on the next levels of crude oil to be released by the major international producers , which in turn impacts the price at the pumps, is not expected until early October

The motoring group the AA last week accused supermarkets of overcharging customers in rural areas for fuel.