Fuel costs at a Sussex filling station have been documented approaching the £2 mark, with petrol nearly reaching that threshold amid escalating pump prices not seen in over four years.
Photographic evidence captured at the Pease Pottage services in Crawley on September 24 revealed petrol at 196.9p per litre and diesel at 217.9p.
Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows petrol averaged 161.3p between July and August, representing the highest figure recorded since November 2022.
The upward trajectory has been attributed to unrest in the Middle East, which continues to exert pressure on worldwide oil supplies.
On a social media platform, one user characterisation of the Pease Pottage station as overpriced attracted widespread agreement from other viewers.
Another commentator noted that motorway service stations consistently charge premium rates.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams indicated on September 25 that diesel values appeared destined to exceed their previous peak in the immediate future.
He observed that the record figure of 199.09p would almost certainly be overtaken as retailers passed on escalating wholesale costs.
Current petrol averages of 173.6p were described as the highest in more than four years.
Williams outlined that petrol had climbed almost 12p throughout September and more than 40p since hostilities commenced.
Diesel had increased 14.5p during the month alone and 55p since late February.
He noted that motorists faced continued pressure at the pumps, with crude oil trading at $106 per barrel after hovering near the $100 mark for approximately two weeks.
A substantial reduction in oil values appeared unlikely without some form of agreement between the United States and Iran.