Ukraine conflict: Motorists warned petrol prices could soar to £1.60 a litre following Russia's invasion

Motorists are being warned over the possibility of petrol prices soaring to £1.60 a litre following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The price of Brent crude oil hit its highest level in eight years after increasing by 6.3 per cent to $102.90 [£76.8] per barrel shortly after 8am on Thursday.

Average fuel prices at UK forecourts are already at record highs and the situation is expected to worsen as retailers pass on further rises in wholesale costs.

High petrol and diesel prices are displayed on the forecourt of the M62 motorway Birch service station in Brighouse. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Sources reported a new record high of an average of 149.5p per litre of petrol and almost 153p per litre for diesel on Thursday, with every indication being that this will continue to rise.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Russia’s actions will now push petrol pump prices up to £1.50 very soon.

“The question then becomes where will this stop and how much can drivers take, just as many are using their cars more and returning to workplaces.

“If the oil price was to increase to $110, there’s a very real danger the average price of petrol would hit £1.55 a litre.

“This would cause untold financial difficulties for many people who depend on their cars for getting to work and running their lives as it would skyrocket the cost of a full tank to £85.

“At $120 a barrel – without any change to the exchange rate which is currently at $1.35 – we would be looking £1.60 a litre and £88 for a full tank.”

Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Wednesday increased to 149.43p, while diesel rose to 152.83p.

This compares with petrol at 145.91p and diesel at 149.22p a month ago, and petrol at 122.50p and diesel at 125.99p a year ago.

AA president Edmund King said: “Russia’s attack on Ukraine and resulting geopolitical uncertainty has pushed Brent crude above 100 US dollars per barrel for the first time since 2014.

“This will result in hikes in prices at the pumps.

“New record fuel prices are likely any time soon.”

Mr King advised drivers wanting to conserve fuel to consider car-sharing, cutting out short journeys, reducing speeds and driving more smoothly.