AS petrol and diesel prices reached record highs this week, taxi firms and drivers are feeling the brunt of rising fuel costs.

This photo of a sign outside the BP garage in Pease Pottage on Wednesday shows prices exploding at 146.9p a litre for petrol and 149.9p for diesel.

According to RAC data, the previous records were 142.2p per litre for petrol in April 2012 and diesel reached 148p per litre in the same month.

According to fuel cost- saving website PetrolPrices.com yesterday, in Pease Pottage the price of petrol ranges from 127.9p to 131.9p per litre and diesel prices range from 129.9p to 134.9p.

In Brighton and Hove prices for petrol range between 125.9p and 129.9p a litre, and diesel costs between 127.9p and 131.9p a litre.

Andy Cheesman, boss of Brighton and Hove City Cabs, said: “The price of diesel had been steadily increasing each week over the last couple of months.

“This has a direct link to the drivers’ profits as the meters are controlled by Brighton and Hove City Council.

“It is roughly five years since the last fare increase for taxi drivers in the city.

“Not surprising is the fact wholesale oil prices are down by 3p, but this discount has not been passed on yet to the end user.”

Councillor Pete West, former mayor and Green Party councillor for St Peter’s and North Laine, said: “The days of cheap petrol seem long gone as we have seen prices double in past ten years.

“I expect that trend will continue, so it’s perhaps a good time for motorists to consider the benefits offered by electric vehicles, which are far cheaper to power.

“Also reducing mileage driven is a way to save on fuel, taking shorter journeys on foot or by bike, which is a good way to keep fitter too.

“Electrically assisted bikes are great for smoothing out the hills and tackling longer journeys.

“By making more journeys by public transport, active travel or using electric power you can also be confident you are also doing your bit to improve air quality.”

GARAGE PETROL DIESEL

Asda, Hollingbury 124.7p 127.7p

Park Station, Woodingdean 124.9p 128.9p

Tesco,

Holmbush 126.9p 128.9p

Shoreham Filling

Station 128.9p 130.9p

Sainsbury’s,

West Hove 126.9p 129.9p