Fuel retailers have been urged to pass on falling wholesale costs as the latest rise in forecourt prices saw the bill for filling up a typical family car with petrol top £90.

Figures from data firm Experian Catalist showed the average price for a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Monday was 163.7p with diesel at 173.7p, both new records.

However, the wholesale price of fuel has been dropping and on global markets, the Brent crude oil benchmark slid below $100 a barrel on Tuesday.

The latest increase at the petrol pumps takes the cost of filling up a typical 55-litre family car with petrol above £90 for the first time – a watershed already passed for diesel cars last week.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Drivers should be encouraged by oil and wholesale prices dropping again yesterday.

“It’s now vital that the biggest retailers who buy fuel most often start to reflect these reductions at the pumps to give drivers a much-needed break from the pain of constantly rising prices.”

Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have climbed as high as $139 since then though in recent days have slipped back.

Ceasefire talks between the two countries have eased fears of further supply disruptions while at the same time surging COVID-19 cases in China have resulted in concerns about slower demand.

Related posts:

People three times more likely to insure pets than their own health, survey finds Ex-Boots chief finds perfect fit with deal for physio group Ascenti House prices soar 10.9% to seven-year high in ‘race for space’ Afghanistan’s economy, supply chain issues and firms inventing COVID protection products HGV crisis: Unprecedented demand for training as drivers load up on pay rises Surprise house price bounce despite wind-down of stamp duty holiday FTSE-100 property giant Land Securities to kick off hunt for next chair Asda charters ship to navigate a path through Christmas supply chain storms Lloyds to take stake in banking loyalty app Bink Travel stocks help FTSE rally on first day of new year trading Businesses warn of ‘unprecedented’ cost pressures as inflation fears grow Arnold takes reins as Manchester United chief executive