A row has erupted over “inflammatory language” used by government ministers criticising fuel retailers ratcheting up the cost of petrol and diesel – resulting in a trade group pulling out of a Downing Street meeting.
The petrol retailers association (PRA) cited incidents in which retail staff had been abused by members of the public who could have been provoked by what it described as “incorrect and inflammatory language”.
The PRA was due to meet with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband today (13 March) but it said it had withdrawn from attending, “following several days in which ministers have suggested that forecourts may be ‘price gouging’ and ‘ripping off’ the motorist”.
The Chancellor was expected to tell the group that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was on “high alert” for any unjustifiable price rises at the pumps.
PRA executive director Gordon Balmer wrote to the Chancellor for reassurances that the scheduled meeting would be held in private with no media presence, but when no reassurances were forthcoming, he pulled out.
“Recently I have heard of incidents from some of our members of retail staff being abused by members of the public, who may have been provoked by the incorrect and inflammatory language emanating from some commentators, for example use of the terms ‘rip offs’ and ‘profiteering’,” said Balmer.
“Our members are working hard in difficult circumstances making sure that motorists and businesses are getting the fuel they need, at prices that are very competitive, on razor thin or in some cases negative margins which means they are losing money.”
Ahead of the meeting, Reeves wrote to the CMA expressing confidence that the watchdog would act strongly against any unacceptable conduct, “such as profiteering or exploitation of the situation,” she said.
“I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current crisis to make excess profits at customers’ expense.”
The RHA pointed out that a rise in fuel costs would potentially impact households and businesses across the UK: “Sensible action on fuel pricing is good governance and it is to be welcomed,” said RHA MD Richard Smith.
“This is not however just a consumer issue. The commercial vehicle sector must not be forgotten and we call for scrutiny around this.
“We are continuing to ask the Chancellor to meet with us and to take some wider immediate steps.”
The business group wants an immediate cut in fuel duty, a temporary reduction in fuel VAT and standard 30-day payment terms to protect businesses and ensure cash flows between sectors.
“We must ensure that a ‘rip off’ Britain culture does not take hold in the commercial vehicle fuel supply market – driving inflation and cost across the economy,” Smith added.
“We want to see to fair prices and a level playing field for all.”
