The RAC is hoping chancellor Philip Hammond will 'see sense' and continue the freeze on fuel duty increases in next month's Autumn Statement.

According to the motoring organisation, fuel prices rose for the second consecutive month in September because of rising oil prices and a weakening pound.

The average litre of petrol cost 112.07p at the end of September – 0.48p more than at the start of the month.

Diesel prices, meanwhile, rose 0.42p per litre to reach an average of 113.34p at the end of the month. The RAC said this was the highest average since August 2015.

As a result, filling up the average 55-litre petrol tank costs £61.63, which is just over £5 more expensive than it was in January. Diesel has increased less sharply over the past nine months, but the average £62.34 fill-up is still around £4 more expensive than it was at the start of 2016.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: 'A higher oil price, combined with a weakening pound, is forcing up wholesale fuel prices – the wholesale price of diesel is now nearly 9p higher than it was at the start of August, and petrol 7.4p higher. The effect of this to date has been gradually rising pump prices.

'The new chancellor's first Autumn Statement looms next month, and the RAC hopes that he sees sense in committing to not increase fuel duty for the remainder of the parliament – certainly compared to his predecessor's track record on fuel duty, the new chancellor has a lot to live up to.'