MOTORISTS are now being forced to pay around 159.9p a litre for unleaded petrol locally. 

A similar hike has been experienced by diesel car drivers, charged around 165.9p a litre.

This, combined with soaring energy bills, has left the public asking for the cheapest places to pick up fuel in the area. 

UPDATE Friday March 11: Eight cheapest places to fill up in Salisbury

The Journal has put together a list of petrol stations offering the lowest prices in and around Salisbury, according to information services provider PetrolPrices.

As of 3pm on Thursday, March 10, the eight cheapest places are:

BP, London Road - 157.9p for unleaded - 161.9p for Diesel

BP, Downton Road - 157.9p for unleaded - 165.9p for Diesel

Murco, High Post Filling Station - 157.9p for unleaded - 168.9p for Diesel

Tesco Extra, Southampton Road - 158.9p for unleaded - 160.9p for Diesel

Shell Waitrose, Churchill Way West - 161.9p for unleaded - 165.9p for Diesel 

Shell, Wilton Road - 161.9p for unleaded - 171.9p for Diesel

Shell, Wilton Road - 161.9p for unleaded - 199.9p for Diesel 

Esso, Southampton Road - 168.9p for unleaded - 176.9p for Diesel

The fuel price comparison service said it was used by 150,000 people yesterday.

That is a 10-fold increase since mid-February, demonstrating the rising number of people concerned about the cost of filling up.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “A tank of petrol is now almost £88 while diesel has now gone over £92.

“Diesel unfortunately appears to be on a clear path to £1.70 a litre.

“As this is an average price, drivers will be seeing some unbelievably high prices on forecourts as retailers pass on their increased wholesale costs.

“But there was a hint of better news yesterday on the wholesale market with substantial drops in both petrol and diesel which could lead, in a week or so, to a slight slowing in the daily pump price increases, and records being broken less frequently.”

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