The price of diesel has hit £5 a gallon, according to the latest figures from the AA.

Diesel prices in the UK have risen on average 3.78p a litre, from 106.24p in mid October to 110.02p in mid November – the highest monthly rise this year, according to November’s AA Fuel Price report. 

Average petrol pump prices went up 3.67p a litre, from 105.07 to 108.74.

"Unlike this time last year, when supermarkets were falling over each other to slash pump prices, the average price of supermarket fuel has risen more than four pence a litre for petrol and diesel compared to around 3.75p for fuel prices in general," explained Paul Watters, head of AA public affairs.

"On average prices, this has allowed retailers like Esso, Shell, Jet and Murco to undercut the more expensive supermarkets."

Going to a supermarket may not be the cheapest option, unless it is an Asda, he said.

“The growth in non-supermarket petrol stations that have added mini-stores and cut pump price margins to pull in customers is giving supermarkets a run for their money.

"This month’s figures suggest that some supermarkets are giving them the opportunity.”