Message Issued To People Who Fill Up With Petrol At Major UK Stations

Earlier this month the average price for a litre of petrol was a record-setting 191.5p, but although the wholesale price is falling, customers have seen 'barely a penny' come off sky-high prices, the AA has said.

“Even commentators in the fuel trade say that their pump prices should be falling 4p in the next few days - yet we’ve seen barely a penny come off the average pump price recently.”

Bosdet welcomed the slight fall in price but says the drop should be 'much bigger' and 'started sooner'.

"Falling pump prices provide the first piece of good news in this cost-of-living crisis," he said. "But the reductions should be much bigger and should have started last week if not sooner. The question now is how much of the potential saving will be passed on to the consumer.

"As usual, the fuel trade shows itself very reluctant to pass on lower costs and give relief to hard-pressed motorists."

Speaking earlier this month, when prices hit record-highs, RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams said it would be ‘scandalous’ if a drop isn’t seen in the price of fuel over the next few days. 

He said: "With oil dropping by 10 a barrel yesterday causing wholesale prices of both petrol and diesel to fall further, even more pressure is now on the supermarkets to act and treat drivers fairly.

"We can guarantee retailers will be rushing to buy new stock today at these low prices, but they will no doubt still remain reluctant to reduce their forecourt prices. If we don't see a significant supermarket cut in the next few days it will be nothing short of scandalous.

“And, even if retailers eventually do the right thing, we still need further help from the Government to make the cost of driving more affordable as so many people are being financially impacted by the record high prices. Perhaps a change at No 11 will finally lead to the fuel tax cuts we've been calling for."