Drivers ‘taken for fools’ as fuel prices rise for 38th straight day, despite falling wholesale costs

Retailers accused of profiteering as average cost of diesel hits 199p a litre

Fuel prices have been described as ‘pump fiction’ as they fail to reflect wholesale prices (PA)

Drivers are being “taken for fools” by fuel retailers, according to the AA, as petrol and diesel prices rose for the 38th day in a row – despite falling wholesale costs.

While oil prices on global markets have fallen back from recent highs, the pump price of diesel edged closer to breaking the £2-per-litre barrier for the first time.

Petrol is now at 191.2p a litre, while diesel is 199p, the AA said.