How much more can you afford?
Just when you thought filling up couldn't get any more expensive comes news that oil prices have hit a record high.
British motorists face another duty increase next month and overnight crude oil reached 105 dollars a barrel as the US unveiled a surprise drop in supplies.
With pump prices steadily rising so far this year, drivers can expect another increase in the coming weeks.
The AA said the average price of petrol across the UK on Wednesday was 105.7p, with diesel reaching 111.6p. The prices have moved up nearly 2.5p since the start of the year.
An AA spokesman said the organisation is hoping Chancellor Alistair Darling will scrap a planned 2p rise in fuel duty when he delivers the Budget next week.
Yesterday's spike in the crude oil price is unlikely to be the highpoint - investors are now shifting funds into the market instead of other investments such as currencies and shares.
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