Motorway fuel prices ‘exploitative’

Transport Secretary calls for probe into charges at pumps ●

Transport Secretary demands probe into charges at services

“EXPLOITATIVE” prices at motorway filling stations could come to an end after the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said he was “concerned” expensive fuel could be a safety risk.

In a letter to Andrea Coscelli, head of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Grayling said: “I am writing to raise concerns and request that the CMA considers opening an investigation into the retail price at Motorway Service Areas (MSAS).

“I am concerned that prices which are higher than other forecourts may exploit users in a situation where there is less choice and competition, and discourage motorists from stopping and re-fuelling when, for safety reasons, they should.”

Grayling asked the CMA to determine “whether the three private companies that currently operate the majority of MSAS are exercising market power to the detriment of motorists”.

The average difference between motorway and national fuel prices is currently 18.35p per litre. In 2011, RAC figures showed the gap was just 7.5ppl.

Grayling said he was aware motorway services face high operating costs, but considered the pricing differentials were still not “fully explained”. The UK’S 112-strong motorway services network is dominated by three big firms – Moto, Welcome Break and Roadchef – which were quick to hit back.

Roadchef’s CEO, Simon Turl, penned an open letter to Grayling, pointing out the company does not operate petrol stations at its sites, nor set the fuel prices charged.

Welcome Break said the company “aim[s] to keep our fuel prices as competitive as possible at all times”.

A statement from Moto read: “Once you see the costs of providing the facilities and services, the prices soon start to make sense.”

“Average difference between motorway and national fuel prices is currently 18.35p per litre. In 2011 it was 7.5ppl”