Grocers accused over high fuel prices

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Motoring organisation the RAC has attacked retailers such as the big grocers for allegedly failing to pass on lower petrol prices to consumers.

While oil prices have plunged in the wake of concerns about the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, retailers have not reflected that at the pumps, the RAC told the BBC.

Last month, retailers on average increased the cost of a litre of unleaded petrol by 3.1p and diesel by 2.7p, which the RAC maintained was “completely unjustified” and was delivering a “shocking” profit to retailers. Leading grocers – food groups such as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are all big petrol players – were said to be particular culprits who had increased prices “unnecessarily”.

RAC fuel spokesperson Simon Williams told the BBC: ”Since Covid, they’ve been far more reluctant to pass on any savings even though the frequency with which they buy means they are in a position to pass on any savings in the wholesale price to drivers far more quickly.

“It would be much fairer if retailers mirrored wholesale prices more closely on a daily or weekly basis.

“The government should ask the biggest retailers to explain why they’re charging such high prices for fuel when wholesale prices have dropped.”

None of the grocers had commented on the claim when it was broadcast.