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Written question asked by Bill Esterson (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 September 2023 (named day). It was answered by Amanda Solloway (Conservative) on Monday, 18 September 2023 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


Motorway Service Areas: Fuels

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a comparative assessment of the cost difference between fuel sold by petrol stations on motorway service stations and other petrol stations.

Answer

The Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) final report found drivers without access to fuel cards are paying more at motorway service stations than elsewhere. This is due to limited competitive pressure and opportunities for customers to observe prices and shop around. Differences in ‘fixed’ and ‘variable’ costs, such as rent, staff wages and fuel volume sold also cause price variations.

The Government accepted the CMA’s recommendation to create an open data scheme and monitoring function for road fuel prices and will consult this autumn. These recommendations should facilitate greater competition in the UK market and put downward pressure on prices.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
199076
Session
2022-23
Related items
Fuels: Prices
Monday, 27 November 2023
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Fuels Motorway service areas Prices
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk