Mark Garnier MP today expressed his disappointment at Office of Fair Trading's decision not to hold a full inquiry into fuel prices in the UK and its refusal to direct the case to the Competition Commission.
OFT stated that there is no evidence that petrol prices in the UK are being manipulated, and concluded that the petrol market is 'working well', despite British consumers paying near-record prices for fuel and diesel.
Mark Garnier said: 'In the 10 years between 2003 and 2012 fuel prices in the UK increased by 78%, and diesel prices by 82%, which was to large extent due to an increase in tax and duty, as well fluctuations in the cost of crude oil.
'I have campaigned for a long time to increase fairness in fuel prices, and I am very disappointed to see OFT dismiss a problem, which affects so many families across the country, and especially those in Wyre Forest where motorists have to pay a higher charge for their fuel than in neighbouring areas.
'One thing I am happy to hear is that the OFT requested the Department for Transport to consider new road signs that would warn drivers of the higher prices they will be charged at motorway service stations, compared to local petrol pumps.
'I will however continue our campaign to look into competitiveness of petrol stations in rural areas, as well as to encourage fuel retailers to adjust pump prices to falls in crude oil prices.'