DRIVERS are being hit by record Christmas and New Year fuel prices, new figures show.

The RAC said motorists are being "heartlessly overcharged" as the average price per litre of petrol is around 153p, with diesel at 176p.

Compared with the days leading up to Christmas 2021 – which was previously the most expensive for drivers – current prices are 7p higher for petrol and 27p more for diesel.

RAC fuel spokesman, Simon Williams, said: "With the cost-of-living crisis making this one of the toughest Christmases on record, it is even more galling to know drivers are being heartlessly overcharged for fuel, making this the most expensive ever festive getaway on the roads.

"The big four supermarkets, which dominate UK fuel retailing, have robustly refused to significantly lower their forecourt prices to reflect what’s happened with the substantial reduction in the price of wholesale fuel that they are enjoying."

He called on supermarkets to "give drivers the Christmas present they deserve" by cutting fuel prices.

“We now have a bizarre situation where many smaller independent retailers are charging far less for their fuel than the supermarkets,” Mr Williams said.

“After years of the supermarkets being the cheapest place to fill up, many drivers automatically assume this is still the case and may be losing out as a result.”

Here is a list of the cheapest petrol stations in Wirral today: (Source: PetrolPrices.com)

  • Tesco, Bidston Moss: 148.9p (unleaded), 171.9p (diesel) 
  • Asda Arrowe Park Automat: 149.7p (unleaded) 172.7p (diesel)
  • Asda Bromborough: 149.7p (unleaded) 172.7p (diesel)
  • Texaco Pensby Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 172.9p (diesel)
  • Shell Chester Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 176.9p (diesel)
  • BP Bromborough Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 175.9p (diesel)
  • BP New Chester Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 175.9p (diesel)
  • Shell Neston: 149.9p (unleaded) 178.9p (diesel)
  • Texaco New Chester Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 175.9p (diesel)
  • Shell New Chester Road: 149.9p (unleaded) 176.9p (diesel)