Average fuel prices have dropped for the first time this month, according to the RAC.

The average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Monday was 166.6p, down from 167.0p the day before, according to figures from data firm Experian Catalist.

The average cost of a litre of diesel fell from 179.0p to 178.7p over the same period.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Monday marked the first day this month where average fuel prices didn’t reach new record heights.

“Prices steadied with very slight reductions in both petrol and diesel perhaps indicating that retailers may have finished passing on their increased wholesale costs for the time being.”

He said the delivered wholesale price of petrol currently stands at £1.30 and diesel at £1.48.

“With prices this high before retailer margin and 20% VAT are added it’s clear we are in a tough place when it comes to being able to afford to drive,” he said.

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“This is why it’s crucial the chancellor takes decisive and meaningful action in his spring statement that helps hard-pressed drivers and businesses.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has come under pressure to cut fuel duty to help drivers with prices that have soared since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Reports suggest he could cut the levy by up to 5p per litre.

Fuel duty is currently imposed at 57.95p per litre for petrol and diesel, with VAT at 20% charged on top of both the levy and the product price.

Oil prices have fluctuated in the past week as markets reacted to a potential EU ban on Russian oil.

They peaked on 8 March and started falling, but have been creeping up again since last Thursday.

Watch and follow the chancellor’s spring statement on Wednesday from 12.30pm on Sky News.

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