The average price of diesel has fallen by more than 3.5p a litre in the past month, but it is still far too early for logistics companies to get carried away.

Many hauliers have been hamstrung by the excessive rates being charged by filling stations in the UK, so any news of declining costs is bound to be celebrated.

However, there have already been signs to suggest wholesale prices are rising again, which could lead to another upswing at the pumps in the near future.

In its latest report, the AA stated that price movements are fragile and it also pointed towards a recent announcement by the International Energy Agency, which warned that traders and speculators are becoming more influential in the European fuel market.

AA head of public affairs Paul Watters wants to see greater transparency in the fuel industry, as drivers are finding it hard to predict price fluctuations.

"We have seen petrol consumption in the UK fall to record lows this year. The warning signs couldn't be any clearer," he remarked.