Data published today by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy shows the average price for a litre of unleaded is now 137.17p, up from 136.1p a week ago.

The cost of diesel has gone up from 139.2p to 140.66p.

The last time petrol prices were at this level was in September 2013, when petrol was 135.9p, and October 2013, when diesel was 139.15p a litre.

The price hike comes amid chaotic scenes at forecourts in the last few weeks, with drivers panic buying fuel over fears of supplies running out and petrol stations closing due to a shortage of lorry drivers.

Last week, the RAC warned petrol prices could reach record highs in the run-up to Christmas because of a spike in the oil price.

Oil prices rose yesterday to more than $84 a barrel yesterday for the first time in three years, before slipping back slightly.

Some analysts are predicting the price could hit $90 before the end of the year.