UK fuel prices have soared to new record highs, with the average cost of a litre of diesel rising to £1.61, and prices expected to increase further.

Data from Experian Catalyst reported by the AA also showed unleaded at £1.55 on Sunday as the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to be felt.

The latest average costs were revealed hours after oil prices surged further, hitting $139 for a barrel of Brent crude, after confirmation from the United States that it was considering, along with European allies, a boycott of Russian oil and gas.

While petrol prices are important for UK motorists generally, rising diesel costs are seen as a greater economic threat as the fuel is the backbone of UK industry - accounting for the vast majority of vans and most machines.

Petrol has now reached 155.62p a litre while, and diesel averaged 161.28p, the AA said.

A year ago, they averaged 124.32p and 127.25p a litre respectively.

The campaign group FairFuelUK claimed prices were up to 14p a litre higher than they needed to be - when wholesale costs and currency exchange rates were taken into account.

Its founder, Howard Cox, called on Rishi Sunak to cut fuel duty and take a series of additional actions as the Treasury benefits from the surging prices.

VAT is currently charged at a rate of 20% on petrol and diesel.