HERE we go again. Just as we are all tightening our belts, prices begin rocketing. Typical isn’t it?

Many believe that smokers and drinkers choose to do so and if they don’t like price hikes then there is an easy option. Give up. Neither is good for you, so it is a matter of choice and your health will benefit.

However, it is a different matter when it comes to vehicles, be it cars, vans, lorries, taxis or motorbikes, because both individuals and businesses suffer accordingly.

The current price of petrol and diesel in the United Kingdom is, to be blunt, a disgrace.

Time after time it is motorists who are hit in the pocket and it is all very well saying get on your bike, take the bus or let the train take the strain, but it is not always feasible or convenient.

The car is here to stay even though it will continue to evolve and alternatives to the internal combustion engine will become more commonplace.

For now though the vast majority of vehicles will continue to be powered by either petrol or diesel, so hitting the motorist in the pocket is not going to deter them from driving.

Therefore it is difficult not to come to the conclusion that this is nothing short of blatant profiteering.

Earlier this week prices at some petrol stations in Sussex were heading towards £1.50 a litre for both petrol and diesel, although they have dropped again subsequently.

Motorists can but hope that will continue to be the case and the taxi trade, which plays such an important role in the city, certainly does not deserve to hit in the pocket any further.