Its been a tough year for many people in the UK so higher fuel prices are just the icing on the cake for many struggling with the economic downturn. We are being warned to expect a 15p a litre increase in fuel prices that will push up pump prices to record highs. 

It will see the cost of a litre of unleaded soar from 108p to over 123p. This is helped by the increase in VAT back to 17.5%, duty duty increases and the withdrawal of biofuel incentives.

The chairman of the  Petrol Retailers' Association - Brian Madderson  said: 'The Government is desperate for  cash.  And motorists are an easy tax target. It will mean motorists paying record levels  for their fuel.