Petrol stations fail to report price changes to mandatory system
Hundreds of petrol stations are not reporting price changes to the mandatory system, raising concerns about transparency and competition in the fuel market.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Hundreds of petrol stations across the UK are failing to report price changes to a central system designed to help drivers find the cheapest fuel. The system, which became mandatory five months ago, requires forecourts to update prices within 30 minutes of any change. That data is then used by price comparison apps.
But the government has confirmed that around 350 petrol stations have never provided any prices at all. Of those that have reported data, more than 1,700 have not updated their prices for more than a week, according to analysis by the Press Association. Almost 100 have not given an update for at least a month.
The lack of compliance comes at a time when fuel prices remain high. Average unleaded petrol is still about 19 pence per litre more expensive than before the conflict in the Middle East. Diesel has risen by even more. This is despite wholesale prices returning to near pre-war levels.
Knowing the cheapest local prices is therefore still crucial for drivers. One business correspondent noted that the government may need to be firmer with retailers, pointing out that even some of the bigger retailers may not be updating as often as they should. Most busy forecourts buy fuel several times a week, giving frequent opportunities to change prices. Smaller retailers, who buy fuel only occasionally, may update less often, but drivers still need to be able to rely on the data.
A government spokesperson said most retailers are updating the service with price changes. The Competition and Markets Authority has said it will take action against any retailers that break the law. However, it also noted that some sites, such as rural forecourts that buy in bulk, may change prices less often because they have less frequent deliveries.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| Approximately 350 petrol stations have not submitted any prices to the mandatory reporting system. | |
| Average unleaded petrol prices remain about 19 pence per litre higher than before the Middle East conflict. | |
| More than 1,700 petrol stations have not updated their prices for over a week. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focused on the scale of non-compliance, using specific numbers from the Press Association analysis. It highlighted the gap between mandatory requirements and actual reporting, and included a call for the government to be firmer with retailers. The tone was factual but conveyed concern about transparency and the impact on drivers.
- “I think the government will need to get a little bit firmer with retailers to make sure they are reporting their prices”
- “about 350 petrol stations have never provided any prices Despite it being mandatory for five months”
- “average unleaded prices remain about 19 pence per liter more expensive than before the conflict in the Middle East”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.