Drivers filling up at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Asda could save up to £468 a year if they fill up once a week, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In its latest assessment, the watchdog analysed fuel pricing through to the end of April and determined that elevated wholesale costs accounted for the bulk of recent petrol and diesel price increases.
CMA Chief Executive Warns of Weak Competition
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: "We know prices at the pump are putting real pressure on drivers' pockets. While our analysis shows the rise in wholesale prices is the main reason for higher fuel prices, we remain concerned about weak competition in the sector, leaving drivers paying more." She added: "Retailers should be in no doubt that we are continuing to monitor prices and margins closely and expect any reductions in wholesale prices to be rapidly and fully passed on to drivers."
Potential Savings Through Price Comparison
The CMA calculates motorists could save as much as £9 per tank by searching for better deals using price comparison platforms and navigation apps. With supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons being among the most popular places to fill up, road users could save £468 a year if they fill up once a week.
Expert Advice on Fuel Choices
Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card, offered expert advice to drivers unsure of which fuel option is best. He said: "There's a widespread belief that supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons offer fuel at a more affordable rate than branded alternatives, and this is completely true. These supermarkets engage in intense competition when setting their petrol prices, ultimately leading to reduced costs at the pumps."
He added: "Unsurprisingly, due to the additions of detergents and other chemicals, the price of premium fuel is more than that of regular fuel. Fuel prices vary nationwide based on location. For example, rural regions might offer more affordable fuel compared to bustling cities. The critical advice is avoiding motorway fill-ups due to their excessively high prices. Petrol stations capitalise on the fact that when you're on the motorway and running low on fuel, you're compelled to pay regardless of the cost."
