But in a cruel twist, the RAC warned that pump prices are set to hit an all-time high by Christmas – and not due to shortages. Hundreds of military personnel have come to the aid of motorists as part of Operation Escalin. The Petrol Retailers Association said 86 percent of UK stations now have both fuel types, with shortages in the hardest hit areas easing.

       A spokesperson said: “The situation is improving in London and the South East, with 64 percent of the sites surveyed having both grades of fuel, with 21 percent having one grade, and 15 percent being dry.”

       Yesterday, Boris Johnson said shortages were caused by “demand, not supply” but insisted the situation was improving.

       The PM added: “The tanker drivers...have got more than the average week’s supply to the pumps for the last few days.”

       It came as the RAC said soaring international oil prices have left motorists paying ￡12 more for a full tank of unleaded than 12 months ago.

       And they predict worse is still to come.

       RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “The rising cost of a barrel of oil is causing further pain at the pumps.”

       The 2012 price record of 142.48p a litre is due to be broken before 2022, the RAC believe.

       Figures for September show unleaded rose 22p a litre over the last year and is now 5.65p away from the record high. Diesel is 8.68p a litre short of its 2012 record high of 147.93p a litre.