Stagecoach has joined the Oxford Bus Company in saying it could be forced to increase fares as they struggle to cope with rising diesel bills.

The firm said it would be reviewing its fares in the near future after Oxford Bus Company said on Wednesday price increases were inevitable after a 71 per cent rise in the price of fuel over the last 12 months.

Stagecoach marketing manager Chris Child said: "While it is inevitable that prices for bus travel will rise as a result of the significant increase in costs, we have a very good track-record of offering a range of discounted tickets across our bus operations.

"We have hedging arrangements in place across our transport operations to minimise the impact of rising fuel prices.

"However, there is no doubt that the continuing high price of oil has significantly increased our fuel bill, which is one element we consider when setting ticket prices."