More than 96 per cent of Brits are worried that they won't be able to cope if fuel prices keep increasing, according to a survey by moneysupermarket.com.

The online financial website found that 66.9 per cent of those polled were ‚Äö√Ñ√≤very concerned’ that they couldn’t cope, and a further 29.2 per cent were a ‚Äö√Ñ√≤little worried’ should fuel prices keep rising.

Oil has hit record levels and the effects are being felt at the pumps, as consumers worry about the impact that further price rises will have on their household finances.

Moneysupermarket’s Tim Moss says: “Rising fuel prices are a massive issue right now, in much the same way as they were during the fuel protests of eight years ago. Leading economists have been telling the Government it can afford to drop the price of petrol by nine pence per litre without having any effect on its bottom line. People are really starting to suffer and need help urgently.

“We are powerless to control the amount of tax the Government reaps from petrol, so people who are struggling need to focus on the things they can control. People should start by gathering their paperwork and working out the true scale of their problems.

Chiltern’s Nathan Gladwell says: “If you feel unable to sort out your money worries yourself, start by getting some free independent advice from an organisation like Chiltern.

“Our informal arrangements mean you only make one payment to us and we distribute that accordingly to each of your creditors. We can help prioritise your bills so you can pay the essentials like utility bills, mortgages or rent first, leaving a sufficient amount for you to get by each month.

“We negotiate with creditors too, so that payments are more affordable, which can help you ride out the credit crunch and get your finances under control.

“You should also find out the cheapest petrol prices near you by checking www.petrolprices.com”