Petrol prices are now at an all-time high, and it is becoming more important than ever for commuters to find Colchester’s most affordable filling stations.

Prices that were considered extortionate a month ago now look something of a bargain – in fact, one year ago petrol was as much as 30p cheaper.

There are a handful of petrol stations worth taking a small detour to get to, though – and others one should avoid so as to not receive a hefty receipt.

Gazette: Unheard of - long gone are the days when petrol was less than £1 per litreUnheard of - long gone are the days when petrol was less than £1 per litre

Here is a list of Colchester’s cheapest and priciest petrol stations for you to use the next your tank is running on empty.

Most affordable: Sainsbury's, Stanway (CO3 8AA) – 140.9p per litre

Coming in as the most affordable place to fill up at the moment is the Sainsbury's supermarket petrol station in Tollgate retail park. £84.54 for a full tank of petrol is the cheapest price you can get in the Colchester area right now.

2nd – Esso, Peartree Road (CO3 5JX) – 141.9p per litre

Conveniently located on the way to Tollgate retail park, this Esso garage is up there with the cheapest for a tank of fuel. 60 litres will cost you £85.14.

3rd – Asda, Turner Road (CO4 5TU) – 143.7p per litre

Asda is well-known for its cheap groceries, and its petrol is affordable too. You will pay £86.22 for a 60-litre tank of petrol here.

4th – BP, Mersea Road (CO2 8PU) – 143.9p per litre

4th – Tesco, Greenstead Road (CO1 2TE) – 143.9p per litre

4th – Tesco Extra, Highwoods (CO4 9ED) – 143.9p per litre

4th – Texaco, Shrub End (CO3 4SA) – 143.9p per litre

Four different filling stations all tie for third price, showing just how competitive petrol prices are at the moment. Supermarket chains, which are normally more affordable for fuel, are being challenged by traditionally more expensive oil companies.

8th – Esso, Bergholt Road (CO4 5AJ) – 144.9p per litre

This Esso garage in Braiswick is one of the most expensive in Colchester, where a 60-litre tank would cost you £86.94.

Most expensive – BP, Ipswich Road (CO4 0EU) – 147.9p per litre

This BP garage on the popular commuting route of Ipswich Road is comfortably the most expensive place to fill up on petrol. You will be close to £90 for a full 60-litre tank here, which will cost you £88.74.

Read more:

• 24-hour petrol stations in Colchester – See the full list

• Pictures show long queues at petrol stations in north Essex

• Colchester petrol panic buying could be solved by cycling