Labourers Still Overlook Sky‑High Fuel Prices

Fuel Prices vs. Pump Prices: The Great Price Distraction

Between June 18 and August 12 2025—a stretch of roughly two months—fuel markets played a game of “who’s got the bigger price tag?” According to data from the RAC Foundation, oilprice.com, and a few exchange‑rate websites, the numbers tell a curious story.

Brent Oil Drops, But Your Pump Still Pops Up Higher

Brent oil slid 13.54 % in sterling.
Wholesale petrol prices dipped only 1.19 %.
Yet the price on the pump for petrol shot up by almost 2 %.

Diesel: Down at the Wholesale Level, Up for You

Wholesale diesel prices fell 3.7 %.
But the cost of filling up a diesel car increased by 3.10 %.

Retail Profit Explosion: How Much Extra Goes Into Your Taxpayer’s Pocket?

While you’re filling up, the behind‑the‑counter math looks oddly generous.

Petrol profit per litre jumped over 11 %, giving an extra £2.09 for every average family car refuel.
Diesel profit per litre surged more than 26 %, adding a staggering £4.55 per average family car fill‑up.

Large Wholesale Losses Haul Extra Inflation

Over this period, more than £4.5 million of wholesale price reductions simply didn’t make it to the pump—a whopping £250 million that sits on the pockets of retailers and fuels inflation.

Voices From The Frontlines

Claire Coutinho MP, former Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, now Shadow Minister for Equalities:

“We rolled out Pumpwatch to keep drivers from overpaying at the pumps. With oil prices falling, motorists should see lower prices, but instead, we’re stuck in a bit of a pricing maze.”

Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK:

“Opportunistic profiteering is still a common sight at the pumps. Inflated diesel prices are suffocating economic growth, squeezing businesses, and adding pressure to inflation. The Conservatives launched FairFuelUK’s PumpWatch in January 2024, only to see it scrapped by a Labour government chasing a ‘Net Zero’ dream while putting passengers on the front lines of the battle.”

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