Average UK fuel prices prices remain stable despite long queues and pump closures, although there are incidents of filling stations hiking charges.

Government figures show that the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts increased by just a fraction of 1p to £1.35 on Monday.

Typical diesel prices rose from £1.37p to £1.38p over the same period.

The AA said that instances of petrol stations increasing prices are likely to be attempts to deter drivers from topping up fuel tanks when they do not need to.

It added that prices at forecourts off main roads “tend to be dearer” but “not massively”.

The RAC has warned that rising wholesale prices are set to be passed on to motorists in the coming days, with oil edging closer to 80 US dollars a barrel.

The Daily Express reported that hundreds of forecourts are selling petrol at more than £1.50 per litre.

Online news site Black Country Live said an independent Esso-branded garage in Wednesbury, West Midlands was selling petrol at 149.9p per litre.

Community campaigner David Wilkes called the owners “greedy”, adding: “It’s ridiculous how companies raise prices, especially when it’s unfair for residents and other car users, and not thinking about the local community who use the garage. It is pure greed.”