Drivers are being alerted that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will intensify its oversight of petrol stations following allegations that some garages are exploiting the ongoing Middle East conflict to increase fuel prices unjustifiably.
Amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Gulf region, the CMA has committed to closely examining pump prices to prevent excessive profit margins. The agency is particularly focused on identifying “rocket and feather” pricing—where prices surge quickly but decline slowly despite falling wholesale costs.
Juliette Enser, the CMA’s Executive Director for Markets, emphasized the need for transparency and fairness: “While price rises may be unavoidable due to increasing wholesale costs, any increase should accurately reflect these genuine pressures. We will be monitoring fuel price trends meticulously and will expose any suspicious practices.”
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The CMA also clarified that it does not set or approve fuel prices but will issue updates on pricing behavior soon, aiming to maintain market integrity and protect consumers.
In political developments, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the planned fuel duty increase scheduled for September will be reviewed in light of the ongoing conflict. This comes as UK drivers face rising prices at the pumps, with unleaded petrol now averaging 170.9p per litre and diesel at 182.9p per litre.
Fuel costs nationwide have climbed sharply, correlating with the surge in crude oil prices—from approximately $75 per barrel at the start of the month to nearly $120 recently. The impending end of a 5p per litre tax cut, initially introduced in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is expected to further influence fuel prices from September onwards.