Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has called for a more consistent approach from supermarkets in how they price petrol and diesel throughout Northern Ireland. Mrs Overend was speaking before a briefing on the issue from the Consumer Council to the Committee of Enterprise, Trade and Investment at Stormont.
The Mid Ulster MLA said;
“According to a briefing from the Consumer Council on supermarket fuel pricing, the apparent practice of supermarkets is to monitor the petrol and diesel prices which their rivals charge within a defined radius and either undercut or match those prices within that defined radius. Whilst this has benefits for motorists it also leads to a situation whereby some consumers are having to pay a lot more for fuel from supermarkets depending on the geographical area. The Consumer Council has found that the differential can be as much as 7 pence per litre over the last year.
“This is a significant issue for those motorists who are paying over the odds for their fuel because of location, and the impact of this must be considered on top of the general rising costs of living at present.
“The price of fuel is crippling for individuals, families and businesses alike and there needs to be a more consistent approach by supermarkets to pricing across the whole of Northern Ireland as this will provide lower prices for consumers across the board.”