The average price of both petrol and diesel in Britain has risen for the third month in a row.

Date from RAC Fuel Watch reveals that last month the average price for unleaded fuel rose from 108.67p a litre to 110.59p a litre, adding £1 to the cost of filling up a 55-litre family car.

This also means that since the end of February 2016, the cost of a tank of petrol has risen on average by £4.77.

The average price for diesel at the forecourts has increased even more, going up from 108.49p to 110.70p during last month. This makes the cost of a full tank of diesel in an average-sized family car £1.22 more expensive.

Compared to February, the average cost of filling up a diesel car has gone up by £5.14.

Reasons for disappointment but optimism too

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Motorists will be disappointed to see pump prices going up again having enjoyed filling up their vehicles with petrol and diesel for under £1 a litre at the start of the year.”

However, Williams did also offer reasons for optimism when it comes to fuel prices in the near future.

He said: “Fortunately, some of the refinery issues which had led to lower than expected output have been resolved and we now have increased crude production in the Middle East.

"And, with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries deciding not to curtail production at its six-monthly meeting in Vienna on Thursday, there is good reason to expect the oil price will not go far above the current level for the time being, but predicting what will happen with oil is far from straightforward.”

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