European fuel prices continue to rise

Many Brits will opt for European retreats this summer in the wake of the volcanic ash incident and British Airways strikes. Some will take their own cars abroad on ferries or through the channel tunnel to avoid the hassles of flying.

But recent figures have shown that European fuel prices have gone up, which will impact holiday budgets. In some countries, unleaded petrol has gone up by as much as 24p a litre, while diesel has increased by 30p a litre. In spite of the rise, diesel prices are still more affordable in most European countries than in the UK.

Norway has been crowned as the most expensive country to drive in for three years running. But Norway is already a notoriously expensive holiday destination for British holiday makers.

Sweden has seen the greatest rise in European fuel prices since 2009. Their petrol prices have gone up by nearly a quarter, and the increase in price for diesel is up by 34%.

Diesel prices in France are 24% higher than last year, while unleaded petrol has only increased by 7.6%. Luxemburg offers the cheapest European fuel prices and it's the only country that offers a litre of diesel for under a quid. At just 91p per litre of diesel, it's a real bargain. Luxemburg petrol stations also regulate their prices, so you'll know what to expect each time you fill up.

If you want to travel around Europe this summer by car, plan your journey so that you can take advantage of the most affordable European fuel prices. Bear in mind that fuel is cheaper at ferry ports and supermarkets and avoid petrol stations on motorways where prices tend to soar.

In many of the popular European holiday destinations such as France, Germany, Greece and Italy, you'll end up spending roughly the same amount on unleaded petrol as you would in the UK, and diesel car drivers will get a slightly better deal than at home.

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