PETROL prices have hit a new record high of 148p per litre, putting further pressure on household budgets amid the cost of living crisis.

The average pump price broke a new record over the weekend, according to the AA.

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Motorists are paying 148.02p per litre, breaking the previous all-time high set in November of 147.72p.

Diesel has now risen to 151.57p a litre, up from 151.10p in November.

“The cost of living crisis has been ratcheted up yet another notch, tightening the vice on family spending when it faces other pressures from impending domestic energy cost and tax increases,” said Luke Bosdet, the AA’s fuel price spokesman.

The latest government figures showed that the average cost of a litre of petrol was 146.33p in the week beginning February 7.

Drivers previously said they were cutting back on car use after petrol prices hit a new record in November.

According to an AA poll, 43% of motorists said at the time that they were driving less, cutting costs in other areas, or both.

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It comes as households are struggling with other rising costs, including energy, tax and food shopping bills.

The energy price cap will jump in April, adding £693 to bills, with National Insurance rates also set to increase.

How to keep petrol costs down

With petrol prices at an all-time high, and other pressures on household costs, there are ways you can reduce your spending on fuel.

For example, sharing lifts could help you use your car less and save on petrol costs.

There are also simple things you can do to make a tank of fuel last longer, such as making sure your tyres are at the right pressure.

While you don't want to drive for miles to get fuel, if you have a choice of petrol station in your area, it pays to shop around.

The website  allows you to do 20 free searches on petrol stations near you to see who has the best rates.

When you need to fill up, you might as well get the best price possible. We found differences of around 2p per litre in our search.