Dorset residents have spotted fuel prices rocketing in the county-  with diesel at one Bournemouth petrol station costing 170.9 per litre.

The Esso station in Bath Road, Bournemouth has diesel priced at 170.9 per litre and unleaded at 161.9.

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

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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.

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

In Christchurch, the Shell Garage on Barrack Road, is displaying unleaded for 162.9 and diesel for 169.9.

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

One person who contacted the Daily Echo said Esso on Ashley Road in Poole were "trying to sell diesel at £1.68 a litre."

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They described it as: "Absolutely disgraceful daylight robbery". 

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.”