Petrol and diesel prices could spike as plans for UK fuel price checker attacked
The Government has suggested introducing a nationwide fuel price checker
PA
An expert has criticised the Government’s plan to force fuel retailers to display petrol and diesel prices online, which could soon be introduced.
Following a critical report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Government unveiled proposals that would make retailers publish fuel prices.
The CMA report found that drivers were paying more for fuel after the pandemic because of a lack of competition among petrol stations.
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps said motorists were being used as “cash cows”, adding that the Government would “shine a light” on rip-off retailers.
Petrol and diesel prices are starting to rise again
PA
Commenting on the proposals to introduce such a fuel price checker, Seb Goldin, CEO of Red Driver Training, issued concerns about the idea.
He said he does not believe a scheme will make much of a difference for drivers already dealing with high prices.
Seb Goldin said: "This is the Government tinkering around the edges. The only way to reduce fuel costs for businesses is to get your employees to drive better.
"With better training fleets can take more proactive steps and take cost reduction strategies out of the hands of politicians."
According to RAC Fuel Watch, the UK average price for petrol is 150.92p, a grim milestone for drivers after paying costs under £1.50 over the last few months.
Diesel drivers are also facing expensive costs, paying 153.04p per litre, with the RAC forecasting that prices are likely to rise in the future.
As has usually been the case, supermarkets do not charge as much for fuel as other retailers given the high quantities they purchase.
At supermarkets, drivers can still find fuel for under £1.50, with petrol prices around 147.71p and diesel costing 149.88p.
Earlier this month, Asda became the first supermarket in the UK to publish its fuel prices online to help drivers save money.
Drivers looking on the Asda website can search for the store locator, which will show motorists how expensive the prices are at any shop in the UK.
Northern Ireland’s Consumer Council Fuel Price Checker helps promote competition among retailers, with drivers having a clear idea of which areas of the country are cheapest.
The tool shows that average prices are around 3p cheaper than the rest of the UK, with Northern Ireland also suffering from rising prices in recent weeks.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Asda became the first supermarket to launch a fuel price checker
PA
Ballymena has the lowest average diesel prices at just 142.6p per litre, while drivers in Coleraine are seeing petrol costs as low as 142.8p.