The running costs of cars and vans has risen markedly.

The average price of petrol has risen 3.5 pence per litre – over 15p per gallon.

It means business must watch fuel costs to help counteract market volatility.

The AA Fuel Price Report report says supermarkets have eased the brakes on prices – as customers returned after February’s contaminated fuel scare.

However, supermarkets still remain 1.6 pence per litre cheaper than elsewhere.

Adrian Waters, head of Small Medium Enterprises at AA Business Services, said: “The findings in the latest report highlight the continuing volatility of fuel prices and the importance of tightly monitoring fuel expenditure.

“It’s important to ensure employees are buying fuel at the most competitive prices possible.”

Average fuel prices across the UK

• Petrol 92.8 (Apr) / 89.47 (Mar) + 3.33ppl
• Diesel 95.1 (Apr) / 92.7 (Mar) + 2.4ppl

Average monthly car spend: petrol

• £101.85 (Apr) / £98.23 (Mar)