Fuel prices remain steep in south Essex as petrol and diesel prices have reached record highs across the UK, according to new figures.

Statistics from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Tuesday was 167.6p.

The previous record of 167.3p was set on March 22.

Diesel prices also continue to climb to new highs, reaching an average of 180.9p per litre on Tuesday.

On the same day, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng wrote to fuel retailers “to remind them of their responsibilities” amid claims they had hiked profits following the reduction in duty.

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RAC analysis found retailers’ average profit margins for a litre of petrol and diesel are currently 11p and 8p respectively.

In the month up to the duty cut it was 9p for petrol and 6p for diesel.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “While the average price of both petrol and diesel would have been far higher without the historic duty cut, it’s also unfortunately the case that drivers haven’t seen the full benefit at the pumps due to major retailers upping their margins.”

He added that drivers are “feeling never-before-seen pain at the pumps”, which is “contributing to the worsening cost-of-living crisis”.

Petrolprices.com has a list of the cheapest places to fill up on fuel in and around the Southend area, which may help drivers save some money.

The cheapest places to buy unleaded are:

Tesco Southend Extra - 163.9p

Esso High Street (Canvey Island) - 163.9p

Shell Prince Avenue (Shell Sovereign) - 164.9p

Jet Rochford - 165.7p

Esso Southend (Southchurch Express) - 165.9p

Esso London Road (Leigh-on-Sea) - 165.9p

The cheapest places to buy diesel are: 

Asda Shoeburyness - 177.7p

Jet Rochford - 177.7p

Tesco Southend Extra - 177.9p

Esso London Road - 179.9p

BP Benfleet - 179.9p

Esso Rayleigh Road (Eastwood Express) -  180.9p

These prices are correct as of today (May 18)