Petrol soars towards [pounds sterling]4 a gallon.

(From Belfast Telegraph)

Holidaymakers and travellers also face hikes in air fares the global price of oil continues to rise amid jitters over instability in the Middle East and economic pressures.

Petrol prices across Northern Ireland have surged past 80p a litre - the level that sparked the UK nationwide fuel tax protests of 2000.

In Belfast, some stations are selling petrol at 81.9p, whilst in Londonderry, motorists were forking out 80.9p a litre, a snap Belafst Telegraph survey shows.

The price of 81.9p a litre works out at [pounds sterling]3.72 a gallon, so further rises will put petrol beyond the psychological [pounds sterling]4 a …