•The price in pounds sterling is displayed on the screen of a fuel pump
Britain’s energy minister warned petrol retailers yesterday that the government would not tolerate “unfair practices” amid a row over rising fuel prices sparked by the Middle East war.
Executives from forecourt operators and firms including Asda, BP, ExxonMobil and Shell were called to Downing Street for talks with Ed Miliband and finance minister Rachel Reeves, reports AFP.
The discussions were convened due to increasing concerns about the impact the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran is having on already strained household finances.
“We have said so clearly that we won’t tolerate unfair practices either here or anywhere else in the industry. It is our obligation as the government to ensure the consumers are treated fairly in this crisis,” said Miliband.
Reeves told the petrol bosses that she wanted an “open and frank conversation” with them.
“We have concerns around the high prices and we do have a shared obligation,” she added.
The meeting was earlier thrown into doubt when the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) threatened to pull out, accusing the government of using “inflammatory language” regarding rising fuel prices.
The group claimed that recent comments by ministers were leading members of the public to abuse workers at petrol stations.
Reeves had asked the competition watchdog to “crack down” on “rip-off” fuel prices to guard against profiteering over the high oil prices caused by the war.
British automotive services company the RAC estimates that the average litre of unleaded petrol has risen from about £1.33 ($1.76) to £1.41, since the conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Britain’s main opposition Conservative party is putting pressure on Reeves to cancel her intention to marginally increase fuel levies later this year.
