The average cost of both diesel and petrol at UK filling stations fell slightly during August, according to the RAC.
The motoring organisation said that the average cost of a litre of diesel fell by 0.72p during the month, to 142.2p, while the average litre of petrol fell by 0.39p, to 134.64p.
The minimal change was in line with oil price movement during the month. However, the RAC said it still thought fuel prices were too high.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “While it’s good news that two months of rising fuel prices have come to an end, it’s disappointing that high retailer margins are preventing drivers from benefitting from lower prices.
“The Competition and Markets Authority’s latest report confirms that retailer margins are far higher than they were historically, and that competition remains weak.
“Our analysis of pricing data confirms the latter, with just a handful of forecourts appearing to compete heavily on price, with the exception of those in Northern Ireland where drivers enjoy far cheaper fill-ups than in any other corner of the UK. This is no doubt a source of ongoing frustration for many of the nation’s motorists.
“We hope that greater transparency of fuel prices from the end of this year means that a spotlight is shone on both those forecourts that charge the fairest prices and indeed, those that sell petrol and diesel for far higher amounts.”
Responding to the RAC, Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), said: “Contrary to the RAC’s assertions, our members continue to price fuel fairly.
“Comparisons with historic fuel margins do not take into account the significant rise in operating costs faced by fuel retailers. These include increased borrowing costs, energy prices, wages, employers’ National Insurance contributions and record levels of forecourt theft.
“We will continue to cooperate fully with the Competition and Markets Authority.”
