Petrol prices have risen by an average of 2p in the last two months and a further rise is expected next week.

Since reaching the year's low-point of 74.6p a litre in July, the average price of unleaded petrol has now risen to 76.57, research from fleet and fuel management company Arval PHH showed.

Next week, a 1.28p a litre rise, deferred from the April 2003 Budget, is expected to be introduced.

Arval's fuel and business mobility managing director Danny Clenaghan said: "This will be an additional burden on both the beleaguered British motorist and UK plc."

Thursday September 25, 2003