The cost to fill up with petrol has reached a six-month high as drivers are yet again being clobbered at the fuel pumps, new analysis shows. The average price of a litre of diesel also went up by 0.73p last month to 146.48p – the highest it has been since late August. Your browser does not support iframes. It said motorists have come ‘unfortunate casualties’ of higher wholesale costs earlier in the year, driven by an increase in the price of oil, which climbed to $82 a barrel in mid-January. The rise in wholesale costs was largely caused by greater demand in the northern hemisphere because of a cold snap, along with concerns about possible supply disruption ahead of the presidency changeover in the US, the motoring group said. Filling a family-sized petrol car now costs an average of £76.81, up almost £3 since the start of October when the price of petrol was 134.33p per litre. The average price of a litre of unleaded at UK forecourts rose by 0.65p in February to 139.65p, according to the RAC.

But we hope better times are on the horizon.

RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said: ‘It’s disappointing to see pump prices up yet again in February, with drivers now facing some of the highest costs at forecourts since the end of last summer. Drivers able to use these cheaper forecourts will pay just £69.80 for a complete petrol fill-up, which is £7 less than the average UK cost,’ the RAC said. This does not affect our editorial independence. Your browser does not support iframes. Looking at regional fuel pricing, drivers in Northern Ireland continue to pay the lowest prices to fill up. One supermarket close to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-upon-Tyne has petrol priced at just 127.7p a litre – almost 17p per litre (12 per cent) less than the UK average. However, some sites are charging substantially less. Motorists were the unfortunate casualties of rising wholesale prices through January, not helped by global oil prices hitting the $82 a barrel mark in the middle of the month. But we hope better times are on the horizon. Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. With wholesale fuel costs falling throughout February, there’s a good prospect petrol and diesel prices will come down this month as retailers buy fresh stock at lower prices. At the end of February, the average price of a litre of unleaded was just 132.9p – nearly 7p less than in the rest of the UK – with diesel at 138.9p, more than 6p less a litre. Your browser does not support iframes.

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. So she decided to make her own. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature.