Fuel prices have dipped by a fraction of 1p from record highs.

Figures from data firm Experian Catalist show the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Monday was 166.6p, down from 167.0p on Sunday.

The average cost of a litre of diesel fell from 179.0p to 178.7p over the same period.

It offers hope to motorists across the UK that the price of fuel may finally begin to drop following weeks of record highs.

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There are several forecourts in and around the Southend area where prices are just below or near to the average fuel prices.

Here are the five cheapest places to buy petrol in the area according to petrolprices.com:

Texaco, Southchurch Road, Southend

  • 162.9p per litre

Asda Shoebury

  • 164.7p per litre

Jet, Ashingdon Road, Rochford

  • 164.7p per litre

BP West Street, Prittlewell

  • 164.9p per litre

BP Rochford Business Park

  • 164.9p per litre

The five cheapest places to buy diesel listed on petrolprices.com are:

Pace, West Street, Rochford

  • 169.9p per litre

Esso, Southchurch Road, Southend

  • 174.9p per litre

Esso, London Road, Leigh

  • 174.9p per litre

BP, West Street, Prittlewell

  • 174.9p per litre

Texaco, Southchurch Road, Southend

  • 174.9p per litre

*All prices are correct as of those listed on petrolprices.com on March 22