PETROL BOSSES ARE TAKING US FOR FUELS

Bid to set up forecourts watchdog

CAMPAIGNERS are urging the Government to stop big oil companies from fleecing drivers.

Figures show that between October and December last year, forecourt fees were hugely inflated.

While the wholesale price of petrol plummeted by 17p, pump prices were only slashed by 9p.

And oil fat cats managed to rake in huge profits from drivers of 15p per litre of petrol and 17p for diesel while global barrel prices tanked.

A survey of 71,000 road users has revealed three-quarters of people were convinced the major oil multinationals work together to inflate the pump price.

In a bid to end the plunder, the AllParty Parliamentary Group for Fair Fuel wants an independent group to monitor wild price hikes by the big petrol companies.

Kirstene Hair, the MP for Angus and leader of the group, said: “Drivers need reassurance that they are not paying way over the odds for fuel.

“In rural communities, where public transport is poor and unreliable, people need their vehicles.

“It is essential that they pay the fairest price.”

The pressure group is furious that prices have swung wildly up and down over the past two years while the rate per barrel has stayed stable.

Robert Halfon, the vice-chairman of the APPG and MP for Harlow, Essex, believes a “PumpWatch” monitor could protect drivers.

He said: “PumpWatch is the only way to ensure that motorists are not taken for a ride by greedy oil companies. It will bring the rocketing fuel prices back to Earth.” “Drivers need a fair deal.”

A petition calling for the Government to set up a watchdog has attracted more than 14,000 signatures.

Once it reaches the 100,000 mark, the Government will be forced to debate the issue in Parliament.

Howard Cox, who set up the online appeal, said: “When oil prices change, UK drivers have absolutely no idea what they will pay at the pumps.

“It is never ever the same. There is no consistency, logic or clarity to the way prices are calculated.

“If gas, electricity, water and telecoms get pricing bodies, why not motorists too?

“We need PumpWatch.”

The Star Says: Page 6