David Cameron: I feel drivers' pain over paying £1.30 per litre

Drivers deserve help with soaring fuel prices, David Cameron insisted today as he asserted his authority in a Whitehall power struggle over the issue.

The Prime Minister said he recognised the "pain" motorists felt at paying £1.30 a litre and wanted to find a way of "sharing the burden". Downing Street and the Treasury are discussing how to deliver some relief at the pumps in March's budget.

Mr Cameron has spoken up for a fair fuel stabiliser - which discounts petrol duty as oil prices rise, and vice-versa - but there are concerns it may not be workable. Yesterday Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said it was a "complicated idea". However, Mr Cameron reiterated his support, saying: "I want us to examine this."