The warning follows growing concerns amid the raging conflict in the Middle East, which has led to oil prices rising rapidly to more than $100 (£75) per barrel for the first time since 2022.

The increase is being felt at home with drivers seeing the price of petrol already increase by 5p to 137.5p, while diesel has gone up by 9p to 151p per litre.

AA president Edmund King said: “The longer this conflict goes on, the more effect it will have on the cost of oil. Any time Brent Crude passes 100 dollars per barrel raises concern across the markets, for the haulage industry and drivers.

“There will be gradual increases in pump prices, but this shouldn’t happen overnight as fuel has been purchased at previous prices.”

He explained that the group‘s suggestion is that drivers “should not change their refuelling habits but can consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel”.

The fuel crisis has now triggered a response from the Government, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves set to speak to G7 finance ministers later today to discuss how to ease the cost pressures.

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Similarly, RAC head of policy Simon Williams added: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak.

“Unleaded is almost certainly going to reach an average of 140p in the next week or so, while diesel looks highly likely to climb to at least 160p a litre. We encourage drivers to continue filling up as normal, but to shop around for the best prices.”

Meanwhile, Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, warned that with continued uncertainty affecting global energy markets, “there’s a chance that the price of fuel could increase further in the coming weeks”.

He detailed how, when oil markets become volatile, the effects are often reflected quickly at the pumps, “meaning drivers can feel the impact in a short space of time”.

Mr Crole-Rees added: “There are also concerns that petrol prices could approach, or even surpass, the previous UK record seen in 2022 if oil costs remain elevated.

“If this happens, motorists across the country may start to feel the strain of higher fill-up costs.

“However, drivers shouldn’t feel pressured to rush out and fill their tanks unnecessarily, as panic buying can put extra pressure on fuel supplies and lead to temporary disruption at petrol stations.”

To avoid being caught out by fuel prices, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Van Leasing, suggested storing extra fuel at home, but he cautioned drivers to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with that.

He shared: “Petrol is one of the most flammable substances you can keep at home. Using the right containers and storing them safely can help prevent accidents and protect your insurance cover if anything goes wrong.

“It might be convenient to have spare fuel, but doing it wrong can end up costing far more than you save.“

In the UK, drivers can store up to 30 litres of petrol at home without needing to declare it or apply for a licence, the expert detailed.