§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will consider the variation in petrol prices between urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GrayThe price charged for petrol at a particular retail outlet is a matter for the retailer concerned. Petrol retail prices vary from place to place because of differences in wholesale prices and in retail margins. The wholesale price will normally reflect the supplying oil company's schedule price, less rebates that may be negotiated with particular retailers, plus zonal premiums where applicable and in some instances small load surcharges, payable where garages cannot take delivery of a full tanker load. The retailer's margin will reflect the particular retailer's costs, and local market conditions.