The president of Bridport Business Chamber of Trade has welcomed a report from the Competitions and Markets Authority, highlighting the failure of supermarkets to pass on reductions on fuel costs to customers.

Chamber president Rob Muhl has been at the forefront of taking local petrol stations to task over the difference in fuel prices in Bridport compared to surrounding towns, specifically Yeovil.

With the help of Bridport Town Council, a meeting with top officials from Morrisons and West Dorset MP Chris Loder was arranged, which resulted in Bridport's plight being mentioned during debate in the House of Commons.

West Dorset was then selected as one of 21 local case studies across the country for the Competitions and Markets Authority's (CMA) final report.

The report concluded that competition is not working well, with a weakening of competition in retail since 2019.

Nationally, the report found that, from 2019-2022, average fuel margins have increased by 6p per litre. It also confirmed an average local pricing disparity over 52 weeks of petrol being around 2p per litre more expensive than the national average.

As a result of the report, the CMA have proposed a new fuel finder scheme to enable drivers to access live, station-by-station fuel prices on their phones or sat navs; and a new monitoring body to hold the industry to account. 

Mr Muhl and his team said they are thrilled that this issue has received such high profile attention and that steps are being taken at the highest level to ensure Bridport's motorists are not being "ripped off by profiteering retailers".

Mr Muhl commented: "We're keeping an eye on local prices, to ensure they don't rise unnecessarily in the summer season, affecting both tourists and locals.

"And we're very proud that a relatively small chamber like Bridport was instrumental in highlighting this fight for fair prices at a local level - a fight which has now become a national news story."

Mr Loder commented: "I started my campaign last year as the Morrisons-operated fuel station in Bridport was charging around 20p more per litre, relative to other areas, such as Yeovil.

"These practices are typically the sort of predatory pricing we see at motorway fuel stations, and I have been vocal in my opposition to Bridport residents having to unfairly shoulder the cost of this.

"While these recommendations are a step in the right direction, they do not address the rigorous yield management by the supermarkets. I spoke in the House of Commons on Monday to raise this point, and I will meet again with the Minister responsible to take this further."