Fury over Asda's £99 petrol charge - as money 'disappears' from customer's bank accounts

The pre-authorisation payments have risen from £1 to £99 for Visa and MasterCard customers, meaning drivers could be left with without funds or be unable to purchase their fuel.

In what is being described as a shock move, the temporary charge affecting MasterCard and Visa Debut and credit card customers will automatically take the funds from motorists opting to pay for their fuel at the pump.

Drivers who have filled up at supermarket chain Asda have taken to social media to complain about the charge, which has come about due to a change in industry rules.

Some customers have also taken to social media to complain that money has 'disappeared' from their bank when they paid at the pump.

Although drivers could see a much higher expenditure than expected on their bank statements, they will get their money back.

One driver in West Yorkshire was left outraged after finding that £99 of fuel had been 'earmarked' to cover her £5 purchase.

She branded the process an 'absolute joke' on Facebook in a post that has been shared more than 18,000 times.

Supermarkets have emphasised that they do not receive that money.

It is yet unclear whether the trial policy will be rolled out across all stores, but customers could be turned away from the pump if they don't have enough money in their account to cover the pre-authorisation payment

It has been reported that the policy has been brought in to protect customers and garaged and ensure motorists aren't putting more fuel in their tank than they can afford.