Drivers in Powys are feeling the pinch at the pumps, with new research showing that filling a standard 50-litre petrol tank now takes up 9.7 per cent of the average weekly wage in the county.

This places Powys alongside East Riding of Yorkshire as one of the UK’s regions where fuel costs bite deepest into household budgets.

The study, carried out by Ovoko, compared average petrol prices with median weekly earnings across all UK counties. In Powys, the average price for unleaded petrol is 138.8p per litre, meaning a full 50-litre fill costs around £69.40. While not the most expensive in raw terms, the proportion of local wages it consumes puts Powys drivers among the hardest hit outside Scotland and the North East of England.

Fuel prices nationwide have climbed in recent weeks amid global uncertainties. Crude oil surged from around $75 a barrel at the start of March to almost $100 earlier this month following tensions in the Middle East, before easing slightly. Analysts warn that continued geopolitical uncertainty could keep prices high, while the planned fuel duty increase from September - set to roll back a temporary 5p cut - could add further pressure on household budgets.

The study also highlighted the stark regional contrasts in fuel affordability. Greater London, for example, tops the table at the opposite end, where a 50-litre fill accounts for just 7.6 per cent of the average weekly wage, despite pump prices being broadly similar to those in Wales.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers are continuing to feel the financial impact of the current conflict, with the average cost of unleaded up another penny in the last 24 hours to 139p a litre. But it’s those that depend on diesel who are really bearing the brunt, with the fuel up another 2p to 155.1p. Diesel has now increased by nearly 13p, or 9 per cent, since February 28, and is at its highest price since May 2024.

"If oil were to settle at around the $90 a barrel mark and the pound were to maintain its current position against the US dollar, drivers in the UK could expect average petrol prices to reach around 140p a litre, and diesel around 167p a litre.

“We urge drivers to shop around and make use of free apps such as myRAC to ensure they never pay any more for fuel than they need to.”