Drivers are having to pay almost 96p a litre for petrol in some service stations after another fuel price rise.

The cost of filling up a tank is becoming increasingly expensive as world oil prices have risen 50 per cent since January.

The priciest station in the county is MJ Petrol Station in Old Mill Drive, Storrington, which charges 95.9p per litre.

The driver of a car with a 50-litre tank would fork out £48 to fill up there.

Close behind is Pace Hastings Ltd in Old London Road, Hastings, and Star Fuels in South Coast Road, Peacehaven, which are charging 93.9p per litre.

Sullivan Brothers in High Street, Upper Beeding, and Scaynes Hill Service Station in Lewes Road, Scaynes HIll, all charge 92.9p per litre.

James Williams, 40, has owned the independent, family-run M.J Petrol since 1983 and says he has to charge higher rates because he cannot get bulk discounts like supermarkets do.

He is likely to close the garage, which has been run by his family since 1968, later this year because he can no longer make enough profit.

Mr Williams said; "Tesco is selling a litre of petrol for less than it costs me to buy the same amount from Gulf.

"If you take the VAT off its 86.9p pump price it is selling unleaded for 73.96p a litre.

"Gulf charges me 75.8p for that and I am only making 4p profit a litre.

"Customers may think its great because they can get fuel cheaply from the supermarkets but if it carries on like this there will be no independents left and the big retailers will be able to charge what they like."

The majority of stations across Sussex are selling fuel for between 88.9p and 91.9p per litre, while the national average yesterday crept over the 90p mark.

Drivers in the South-East usually pay about 0.25p more than the rest of the country for petrol.

Remote stations tend to charge more than those in towns to make up for having fewer customers.

Ruth Bridger, spokeswoman for the AA Motoring Trust, said: "I would say 95.9p is high, but it is not extortionate. We advise people to shop around and compare prices."

Have you seen a petrol station that charges more than 95.9p per litre? If so, call The Argus on 01273 544517.