The increase in fuel costs has significantly impacted rural areas, with supermarkets under scrutiny for inflated prices.
- The AA reports that rural drivers face a 10p to 15p per litre increase compared to urban areas despite government and Competition and Markets Authority oversight.
- Petrol prices peaked at 149.13p per litre, the highest since February, with diesel reaching 150p per litre due to global production cuts.
- Energy Secretary Grant Shapps urged supermarkets to be transparent about fuel prices in a recent meeting with major retail and fuel companies.
- A spokesperson from the AA highlighted persistent price discrepancies and suggested supermarkets have stunted competition in the fuel market.
The increase in fuel costs has significantly impacted rural areas, with supermarkets under scrutiny for inflated prices. According to The AA, drivers in rural regions are paying an average of 10p to 15p more per litre at supermarkets compared to urban areas. This is occurring despite governmental and regulatory efforts to address the issue.
The AA reports that rural drivers face a 10p to 15p per litre increase compared to urban areas despite government and Competition and Markets Authority oversight. The AA has expressed concern over this disparity, noting that the situation persists even after scrutiny from MPs and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Petrol prices peaked at 149.13p per litre, the highest since February, with diesel reaching 150p per litre due to global production cuts. The AA attributed the steep increase in diesel prices to production cuts by Russia and Saudi Arabia, which have affected global supply levels.
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps urged supermarkets to be transparent about fuel prices in a recent meeting with major retail and fuel companies. Last month, Grant Shapps convened with executives from leading supermarkets and fuel providers to push for clearer pricing strategies aimed at reducing customer confusion and potential overcharges.
A spokesperson from the AA highlighted persistent price discrepancies and suggested supermarkets have stunted competition in the fuel market. Luke Bosdet, an AA spokesperson, criticised the enduring differences in pump prices across the country, suggesting that longstanding policies have hindered competition and maintained inflated prices.
The disparities in fuel pricing, particularly affecting rural areas, highlight the need for increased transparency and competitiveness within the marketplace.
