Fuel retailers have pulled out of a crunch meeting with Rachel Reeves amid concerns that comments from government ministers about “price gouging” and “ripping off” motorists have caused retail staff to be abused by the public.
Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, which represents large and small independent petrol retailers across the UK, said he had written to the Chancellor on Friday morning asking for the meeting to be held in private with no media present “to allow a conversation to explain how the fuel markets work”.
He said: “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’.
“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. Our job is to serve the public keeping motorists and businesses on the road”.
“Petrol retailers have been working closely and productively with the CMA and DESNZ to put in place the “Fuel Finder scheme” which will help motorists find the best value petrol and diesel. There is clearly still a lot of work to do to help politicians and commentators to understand how the fuel market works and our door is always open for constructive dialogue.”
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