Rural regions in the UK face disproportionate fuel costs, with supermarket forecourts accused of price gouging.
- Drivers in rural areas are paying significantly more for fuel compared to their urban counterparts.
- Supermarkets have been criticised despite investigations by the government and regulatory bodies.
- The AA reports that petrol prices have reached their highest since early 2023.
- The energy secretary has initiated talks with major supermarket and fuel providers to address pricing transparency.
The alarming rise in fuel prices has particularly affected rural areas in the UK, where motorists are facing charges between 10p and 15p more per litre than those in urban settings. This has drawn criticism from various quarters, including government officials and regulatory bodies, who suspect supermarkets of overcharging at the pump.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), some drivers in rural regions are paying around 145p per litre, contrasting sharply with approximately 135p or lower in larger towns and cities. The gap in prices highlights a concerning disparity that has persisted despite scrutiny from the Members of Parliament and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Petrol prices recently peaked at 149.13p per litre, the highest since February, with diesel not far behind at 150p per litre, marking a first since May. The AA attributes these increases to reductions in global production, particularly from major producers like Russia and Saudi Arabia.
In response to these price hikes, the energy secretary, Grant Shapps, convened a meeting with executives from leading supermarkets and fuel providers, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, BP, Shell, and Esso. The discussions aimed to encourage greater transparency in pricing and ensure fair competition among retailers.
The AA’s spokesperson, Luke Bosdet, expressed concerns about ongoing pricing disparities, noting that despite regulatory efforts, significant regional price differences remain. Bosdet pointed out that supermarkets’ longstanding policy of underpricing local fuel stations by a small margin has hindered competition. He also highlighted Asda’s initiative to publicise fuel prices online, a move that sets a precedent for transparency.
Persistent scrutiny and dialogue are paramount in ensuring fair and transparent fuel pricing across all regions.
