The BBC reports that there is evidence that "rocket and feather" fuel pricing happened in 2022, according to a competition watchdog

This is when fuel prices rise as wholesale costs rise, but then fall more slowly than costs come down. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would look into whether this drove greater profits for retailers.

The price of fuel has jumped due to factors including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has pushed up the price of diesel more, the CMA said.

Meanwhile, people in rural areas, who tend to be much more reliant on cars, are paying more for petrol and diesel compared to those living in towns, adding to cost of living pressures, the CMA said.

Fuel is on average 1.2p per litre more expensive in rural places, it said. However, rural petrol stations face higher costs due to selling less fuel than urban forecourts and higher transportation costs.

Also, the higher prices may allow rural petrol stations to stay afloat in sparsely populated areas - if they closed, that would be a concern to local drivers, the CMA added.

Depending on where people buy their fuel, there could be about a 4p per litre difference in cost between local petrol stations, in both towns and the countryside.

In general, the highest priced forecourts have fewer competitors, raising some competition concerns.

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The BBC - Petrol prices dropping too slowly, says watchdog