Petrol retailers warn of record prices at the pumps within days

Petrol retailers warn of record prices at the pumps within days

Petrol retailers have warned that record pump prices are expected within days as the country battles surging costs on many fronts.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) - which shot to public prominence last month as the industry grappled delivery problems that sparked weeks of panic-buying in areas of England - blamed rising wholesale costs for the situation.

The body, which represents about two-thirds of forecourts across the UK, said pump prices of 142pence per litre (ppl) for petrol and 148p for diesel set in April 2012 were "almost certain to be eclipsed before the end of October".