With the prices at the pumps showing no signs of falling, British motorists are increasingly opting to drive their cars on 'empty', it has been suggested.
Research by Britannia Rescue revealed that there has been a ten per cent surge in the number of drivers breaking down due to lack of fuel, compared to last year.
The cost of filling the average tank has increased by £11.50 over the last year.
One-in-five drivers claim they can no longer afford to buy a full tank of petrol, with single parents and young workers said to be the worst affected.
Britannia Rescue spokesperson Emma Holyer said: "Increases in fuel prices are hitting drivers hard, especially against a background of rising food and housing costs. But whilst it is now more costly to fill up at the pumps running a car on empty can damage a car's fuel pump - requiring repairs that will make a full tank of £50 petrol seem like a bargain."
Ms Holyer added that vehicles running out of fuel also created a safety hazard, particularly on roads with no hard shoulder.
In related news, chancellor Alaistair Darling recently announced plans to scrap a planned 2p increase in fuel duty.
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