The cost of filling up a family car has risen by £5 since the start of the year as petrol prices at UK forecourts hit a five-month high.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is being blamed for the sharpest weekly rise since August last year, which has seen 1.6p be added to the price of a litre in the last week.

The average charge for a litre of petrol, according to government data, currently stands at 148.5p and motoring experts expect it will continue to rise.

Diesel is also at its most expensive since November and now stands at an average of 157.5p says the latest data.

Motoring organisations say motorists could be in for a difficult time in the coming months. Increased tensions in other parts of the world and the start of the US motoring season could combine to add to inflationary pressures just as better weather arrives in the UK and people wish to get out and about more.

AA fuel price spokesman, Luke Bosdet, said prices were heading towards rates which drivers ‘fear’.

He explained: “It is a psychological shock that shouts out from the price boards each time motorists drive past.

“The worst part is that petrol prices will be spurred on by the inflationary pressures of higher demand as the US motoring season looms. The early part of the summer could be a tough time for UK motorists.”

Breakdown group the RAC said rising fuel prices signals bad news for households, businesses and the wider economy because of the close link between fuel prices and inflation.

Spokesperson Simon William explained: “This year is proving to be another tough one for drivers with the price of fuel going up 9p a litre so far, adding £5 to the cost of filling up an average family car.

“With increased tensions in the Middle East, the cost of oil is only likely to go up which could push petrol well above 150p a litre.”