Shortage fears drive diesel above £4 a gallon

THE price of diesel surged past £4 a gallon for the first time yesterday and petrol is set to follow before next month’s election, the Petrol Retailers’ Association said.

The average price of diesel has risen by 13 per cent in the past year to 88.66p a litre.

Petrol has also risen steeply and yesterday stood at 84.3p a litre.