Dorset residents have spotted fuel prices rocketing in the county- with diesel at a petrol station in Dorchester costing 176.9 per litre yesterday.

Several readers got in touch to say the BP garage at Loders in Dorchester has regular diesel priced at an eye-watering 176.9p per litre and at petrol at 163.9p.

Meanwhile in west Dorset Texaco in Burton Bradstock is charging 170.9p for diesel.

Average petrol prices have exceeded previous highs as the cost of oil continues to rise due to the war in Ukraine.

Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts was 152.20p on Wednesday, up from 151.67p on Tuesday.

Dorset Echo: The BP garage at Loders in Dorchester The BP garage at Loders in Dorchester

The cost of diesel rose from 155.23p to a new high of 155.79p over the same period.

In Weymouth, Esso next to the train station is charging 172.9p for premium diesel. And a tank of petrol will set you back 163.9p per litre.

Prices rose during the day on Thursday, from those displayed earlier in the morning.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said UK fuel prices are determined by the cost of oil and the US dollar-pound exchange rate.

This means “further price rises are inevitable in the coming days and weeks”, he said.

Mr Williams added: “As this period of record high prices could be here for some considerable time, drivers may need to take steps to keep their costs under control.

“Driving less may be an option for some, but those who depend on their cars will have to try to buy their fuel at the best possible price and then drive as fuel efficiently as possible.”