UK retailers too slow to pass on fuel price falls, watchdog says
Summary
The UK competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), says some fuel retailers are slow to lower petrol and diesel prices when wholesale costs fall. The CMA has sent many warning letters to stations not sharing prices with the government’s Fuel Finder service and plans a further review of the fuel market in autumn to ensure fair prices.Key Facts
- Some petrol stations delay passing on reductions in wholesale diesel prices to customers.
- Over 1,000 warning letters have been sent to retailers not listing prices on the Fuel Finder price comparison tool.
- About 97% of UK petrol stations are registered with Fuel Finder, covering 99% of fuel sales.
- Retailers’ profit margins on fuel remain high, near or above historic levels seen in 2025.
- The CMA found no evidence that fuel retailers are profiteering from the Iran war.
- The Fuel Finder tool was created after a 2023 CMA recommendation to boost competition and help drivers save money.
- Some groups, like the AA and RAC, say fuel prices remain unfairly high and call for closer monitoring of pricing and competition.
- Fuel prices in Northern Ireland are on average 8p per litre cheaper than the rest of the UK, highlighting regional differences.
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