Flintshire drivers are being stung for some of the highest prices in Wales for fuel - with prices outstripping even the UK average.

Flintshire is ranked second in the list of Wales' most expensive petrol prices according to data from Fleet News - despite being just 17 miles from one of Europe's largest oil refineries.

With drivers grappling with increased prices everywhere due to the rising cost of living, how stark is the difference for Flintshire road users?

On average, drivers in Flintshire are paying 159.63 pence per litre (ppl) for diesel and 153.02ppl for regular unleaded.

Based on an average 45-litre tank that is £71.83 to fill up a diesel car and £68.85 to fill up with unleaded.

Just over the border in Cheshire however, drivers can fill up the same 45 litre tank with unleaded for just £67.99 while the diesel equivalent will cost £71.63.

It's a marginal saving but one that adds up. Fill your tank every week and a petrol car driver in Connah's Quay, Flint or Mold could find themselves spending £44.72 per year more at the pump than drivers in Chester.

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Denbigh is close behind Flintshire with prices at 159.18ppl for diesel and 151.93ppl for unleaded, but as you travel further into Wales the savings stack up.

The cheapest place for fuel is Anglesey where you can fill a 45-litre diesel tank for just £66.16 (147.04ppl) and unleaded for £64.27 - over the course of a year that represents a potential saving of over £238 on unleaded and £139.88 on diesel compared to Flintshire.

On average Fuel costs in Wales are 154.85ppl for diesel and 148.18ppl for unleaded, marginally cheaper than the UK average of 156.15ppl and 149.35ppl respectively.

The high cost of fuel in Flintshire is puzzling given that the RAC cites transportation costs as a key influence on fuel prices.  

"Distance from refineries is a significant factor that impacts fuel prices in different regions," he said. "Rural areas that are further from major distribution centres tend to face higher costs due to increased transportation expenses."

Other factors that affect price are supply and demand and market competition.

"In areas where there's a lack of competition among fuel suppliers, prices are likely to be higher because consumers have fewer options," said Edmund King, president of the AA.

"Encouraging more suppliers to enter the market could help drive prices down."

How can you save fuel 

Petrol costs take up on average 3% of the household budget. With prices determined by where you live, how can you reduce that cost?

Drive Fuel-Efficiently: Ensuring proper tyre inflation and avoiding too much idling will make your fuel last longer. Also drive smoothly and don't accelerate too fast.

Use Apps to Find Cheap Fuel: Some phone applications can help you to find the cheapest fuel in your area. Finding deals before filling up can save you a significant amount of money.

Use Alternative Transport: Public transport, carpooling or biking are alternative options if the cost is becoming too much. 

Join Fuel Rewards Programs: Many petrol stations and supermarkets have fuel reward programs that give discounts on every purchase of fuel you make.