Petrol prices have fallen for the third month in a row as drivers across the UK see costs plummet to a near four-year low, with diesel car owners also benefitting.

The latest data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that the price of petrol fell by two pence in May, with drivers paying the lowest price since July 2021.

Diesel also fell by two pence, meaning the pump prices at forecourts have dropped below 139p for the first time since September 28, 2021.

At present, motorists around the UK are paying 132.3p per litre for petrol, while diesel now costs just 138.4p.

Petrol and diesel drivers are seeing long-awaited relief at filling stations across the UK

For owners of the average family car with a 55-litre engine, drivers are paying £1 less for petrol at £72.74, while diesel costs £76.13.

Supermarkets are also cutting costs for drivers, with a litre of unleaded costing 129p and diesel falling to 135p, which are both three pence cheaper than the national average.

As has been the case for the last few years, Northern Ireland continues to have the cheapest petrol and diesel costs, with many putting this down to the Consumer Council's Fuel Price Checker.

The tool shows drivers where the cheapest and most expensive petrol and diesel costs are around the country, which boosts competition and helps motorists save.

At present, filling stations in Coleraine are selling petrol for just 123.8p per litre and 128.8p for diesel, making the area the cheapest in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK.

Even the most expensive prices, seen in Londonderry, are 2p cheaper for petrol and 5p cheaper for diesel, with drivers seeing clear benefits from a fuel price checker.

Labour is aiming to roll out a national Fuel Finder scheme, which aims to work in a similar way by the end of the year. Forecasts suggest that it could help motorists save between one and six pence per litre.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: "May was another good month at the pumps for drivers as petrol and diesel fell by 2p a litre, making for three straight months of falling prices.

"While this takes us back to prices last seen almost four years ago, it's worth remembering that prices are lower today because the 5p duty cut, first introduced in March 2022, is still being applied. If it wasn't for the fuel duty freeze, prices could well be much higher."

Williams emphasised the importance of shopping around for their fuel, including by utilising apps like Northern Ireland's Fuel Price Checker, PetrolPrices or the myRAC app.

This helps show drivers where they can find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices in their local areas.

A Sainsbury's in Huddersfield is charging just 121.9p per litre of petrol, while Asda's Park Royal forecourt in London sees drivers pay 122.7p.

Petrol and diesel prices peaked in the summer of 2022 PA

Williams said there were "some excellent bargains to be had" with a Sainsbury's store in Belfast selling diesel for as little as 126.9p.

Rival supermarkets in the area are also attempting to compete with similar prices, as seen at Coleraine and Cookstown Asda locations.

He continued: "Although prices have been moving downwards for the last three months, our analysis of wholesale costs shows there’s still plenty of room for retailers to do more.

"With oil averaging $64 (£47.30) a barrel throughout May, we believe the average price of petrol ought to be under 130p and diesel under 134p.

"Hopefully retailers will continue to reduce their prices, so we see four months of falling costs at the pumps at the end of June."