Average petrol prices have reached a new record high of 173.02p a litre, figures show, after an EU ban on Russian oil imports.

Fuel prices have been setting record highs every few days in recent weeks, as the supply of gasoline dries up at a time when demand is starting to gain speed.

The increase will hit drivers travelling for the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, which starts on Thursday.

Rising petrol and diesel prices are in part being caused by climbing oil prices.

On Monday night, European Union leaders agreed to cut 90% of oil imports from Russia by the end of the year, imposing the bloc’s most punishing sanction yet on Moscow since its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in March.

The development sent oil prices shooting up to more than $124 a barrel, its highest level in three months.

But prices at the pump are also being driven by a shortage of gasoline and diesel, types of refined crude oil.

A huge surge in demand after global easing of coronavirus restrictions, and a reduction in refining capacity, has created a shortage that is pushing up the cost.

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