MOTORISTS are retreating from the petrol pumps as they are hit hard by rocketing fuel prices.

Some forecourts in Worcester have reported a drop in custom as the price of diesel reaches a record 150p in parts of the UK.

The average price of petrol in Worcester has now reached 138.4p a litre – a rise of 4p on last month and 2p above the national average.

And diesel in Worcester costs on average 145.5p a litre, compared with 143.3p last month and a national average of 143.9p.

Leza Stephenson, manager of the independent Tolladine Service Station – whose prices stand at 137.9p a litre for petrol and 145.9p a litre of diesel – said the situation was “horrendous”.

“It’s very tight and very quiet,” she said.

“There are fewer cars on the road and a lot less fuel being used.”

Roy Devlia, who owns Powick Service Station in Malvern Road, urged the Government to cut fuel duty and VAT.

“The prices are going up every 24 to 48 hours,” he said.

“You order fuel one day and they charge you another price when it arrives.

“Our prices are currently 139.9p for petrol and 147.9p for diesel. People haven’t got the money [to spend on fuel].

"They’re only bringing cars out when it’s absolutely necessary.”

It seems there is yet more pain at the pumps to come for motorists as oil prices rise with ongoing unrest in the Middle East and with the announcement from Chancellor George Osborne that the Government cannot not afford to cut duty in next month’s budget.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said he would be writing to the chancellor to urge him to take action to reduce diesel prices in a bid to help businesses.

“I can understand why he’s saying he can’t do more but he’s got to look to diesel as that’s making a direct impact on business,” he said.

Mr Walker said the Government should consider keeping corporation tax low in a bid to encourage oil companies to open diesel refineries in the UK, in turn creating more jobs and cutting the cost of diesel.

He added it was also important to stimulate competition locally in order to drive down prices.