BARROW and Furness MP Simon Fell has written to the CEO of the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), Dr Andrea Coscelli, over disparity in retail petrol and diesel prices in the area.

In his letter, Mr Fell stated that at 2pm on June 15, the average price of petrol at Tesco, Morrisons and Asda was 181.6p per litre in Barrow.

By comparison, the price at Barrow’s Shell garage for petrol was 195.9p per litre.

He also stated that it was worth noting that Ulverston’s Shell garage priced petrol lower - 184.9p per litre.

Simon said: “I do recognise that pump prices are governed by a wide range of factors – from the price that the fuel in the pumps was bought at, to the ability to meet demand. However, a good number of my constituents have approached me directly about this issue, very concerned that they are not being sold fuel at fair prices. I would tend to agree with them.

“I met with the Secretary of State about this issue last week and am raising this issue with the Competition and Markets Authority now to ensure that people across Furness are being charged fair prices.”

Referencing the difference in prices at the pumps recorded by his office between 10 March 2022 and 15 June 2022, Mr Fell said that he understands the peak difference as being almost 40 pence per litre.

He said: “On 10 March 2022, the price of diesel at Morrisons in Barrow was advertised at 156.7p per litre. In contrast, the price of diesel at the Shell garage in Barrow was priced at 195.9p per litre.”

The Furness MP is concerned that, owing to Furness’ rural and isolated geography, companies are profiteering from motorists. He said: “It is hard to see a 39.2p differential as little more than profiteering.”

Commenting further, Simon said: “I don’t think that anyone begrudges organisations making a profit. But that has to be fair, and reasonable. Right now households are really feeling the pressure of the cost of living, and putting fuel in our cars is a huge contributor to that pressure. With that in mind, I’m calling on all fuel stations in Barrow and Furness to set their prices at a fair and affordable rate per litre.”

Shell’s Barrow garage was unable to be reached for comment.