Oil prices – which have a significant effect on the cost of wholesale fuel – have soared above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022.

Since the war began on February 28, the average price of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts has increased by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel is up 9p to 151.0p.

Morrisons petrol station in Dereham (Image: Supplied)

AA president Edmund King, who issued the advice, said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil.

“Any time Brent Crude passes $100 per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.

“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.

“Our suggestion is that drivers should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel.”

Last week, filling stations across the county were temporarily closing as people stockpiled fuel.

In Dereham, forecourts were described as " absolutely insane" as queues flooded car parks.

Satellite image shows firefighting crews working to contain a fire and damage after a drone attack at Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia (Image: AP/PA Images)

According to petrolprices.com, the cheapest place to get petrol in Norfolk as of March 9 is in Great Yarmouth, with petrol costing 130.7p at Asda and 130.9p at Tesco Extra.

The Shell in Ipswich Road, Norwich, is the most expensive, according to the data, at 142.9p.

Shell forecourts in Brandon Road, Watton, and Cringleford are the same price.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams added: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak.

“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre."

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