Petrol and diesel prices are continuing to rise to record levels in Northern Ireland.
The Consumer Council's Fuel Price Checker, which was updated on June 9, shows the average price for unleaded petrol in Northern Ireland is currently 180.1p/litre, a rise of 7.5 p/litre from last week.
Meanwhile, the average diesel price in Northern Ireland was recorded at 183.8 p/litre this week, a 4.7 p/litre increase from last week.
Read more: Latest gas and oil price increases and how they'll impact you
Belfast has recorded the highest average prices for both petrol and diesel, with 193.9 p/litre and 194.9 p/litre respectively.
The cheapest average prices for petrol have been recorded in Limavady and Derry at 165.9 p/litre - a difference of 28 pence per litre compared to the most expensive areas.
The cheapest diesel prices have been recorded in Limavady at 175.9 p/litre according to the Fuel Price Checker, which is a difference of 19 pence per litre compared to Belfast.
This time last year, the average price of diesel in Northern Ireland was 128.5 p/litre while petrol was at 125.8 p/litre.
Richard Williams, Head of Transport Policy at The Consumer Council, said: “Not only are prices at a record high but we are also seeing big differences between the lowest and highest prices available.
“With petrol and diesel prices increasing in Northern Ireland, demand for our Fuel Price Checker has increased. In 2022, the monthly average hits to the tool have increased 526% compared to 2021.
"As the tool has increased transparency for Northern Ireland consumers in respect of fuel prices and allowed them shop around, this may have contributed to keeping fuel prices here lower than the UK average.
"However, there are other factors contributing to fuel prices such as supplier costs, and the business models of the retailers.”
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has said families are struggling to put petrol in their cars due to the soaring cost of fuel.
Ms McLaughlin said: “Families across the North and Britain are under increasing pressure with each passing day. We have seen the cost of gas and electricity bills increase on a monthly basis and now the price of petrol is increasing by the day, people just can’t keep up.
"News that the average family car now costs £100 to fill will rightly cause concern for many, the reality is people simply don’t have that kind of money to spare.
“Unless action is taken to meet these costs it will have huge knock-on effects for our society. Many people rely on a car to get to their place of work, to take their children to school, for important appointments or to see their family and friends.
"The cost of petrol impacts everyone, from our health staff in hospitals, to carers who work in the community, our teachers, our hospitality and retail workers and on and on.
“The British government cannot stand by while people struggle, the fuel duty cut introduced in March has proven to be totally deficient in the face of rising prices at the pump.
"Closer to home we need to see the DUP end their boycott and get our institutions up and running again so we can access the millions currently unspent at Stormont and get money into people’s pockets to help them deal with these rising costs.”
The rising cost of fuel coincides with increasing gas, electric, and home heating oil prices.
On June 9, Northern Ireland's smallest of the five electricity suppliers, Click Energy, announced it will be increasing electricity prices by 11% from July 1, which will impact around 26,000 customers.
Firmus announced a 24.5% in their gas prices earlier this week, saying it will hit customers in the Greater Belfast Network from July 1. This will impact around 49,000 customers and will add an extra £5.68 per week on to the average household bill.
The average price for 900 litres of home heating oil in Northern Ireland is currently £869.90 compared to £350.58 this time last year.
Consumers can get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
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