The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its latest monitoring report on the road fuel market, revealing that retailer fuel margins remained largely unchanged in March despite rising fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The report indicates that while average retail fuel margins were stable, some individual retailers experienced increases. The CMA is currently investigating these anomalies and will provide further updates in its May report.

Key findings from the report show that petrol and diesel prices surged by 26 and 50 pence per litre respectively between February and April. The average retail fuel margins were reported at 10.3ppl for petrol and 10.7ppl for diesel, consistent with the average margins observed in 2025.

Local price variations present opportunities for consumers to save up to £9 per tank by shopping around. The CMA emphasizes the importance of competition in the fuel retail market and has introduced the Fuel Finder scheme to enhance consumer choice and pressure on prices.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, stated that the authority is committed to ensuring that any cost reductions are passed on to consumers and will take enforcement actions against retailers that fail to comply with the Fuel Finder scheme.