The price of petrol at the pumps in the UK has soared to a record high, the AA said today.

The average price of unleaded is now 121.76p a litre, overtaking the previous record figure of 121.61p reached on May 12 this year.

Average diesel prices are now 125.73p a litre - still short of the July 2008 record of 133.25p.

(In Malta, prices are €1.270 per litre of unleaded - £1.06244 - and €1.150 per litre of diesel - £0.962179)

Petrol is now 11.88p more expensive than it was at the beginning of this year, with motorists having to pay almost £6 more to fill an average tank.

The extra monthly cost of petrol for a two-car family is £25.23, compared with the start of this year.

AA president Edmund King said: "In the past week, we have seen the average price of petrol shoot up 1.7p a litre across the UK and diesel rise 1.61p.

"It comes at a particularly bad time for drivers who have struggled with appalling winter weather and often seen their fuel drain away while stuck in snow-bound traffic jams."

He went on: "Although the wholesale price of petrol has risen sharply in the past fortnight, there is a growing feeling of helplessness among drivers with winter travel disruption and ever-rising fuel costs. If current prices persist, the new year increase in fuel duty and VAT will push petrol prices up to 124p a litre.

"Our only hope is that either oil and fuel markets settle back down or the pound strengthens against the dollar. Until then, it is an even more uncomfortable ride for families trying to keep their cars on the road."