THE MSP for Inverclyde has slammed forecourt fuel providers after a probe by the Competition and Markets Authority found higher pump prices cannot be attributed solely to factors outside the control of retailers.

Evidence gathered as part of a Road Fuel market study by the CMA suggests fuel margins, otherwise known as profits, have increased across the retail market over the past four years but particularly for supermarkets.

Average 2022 supermarket pump prices appeared to be around five pence per litre more expensive than they would have been had their average percentage margins remained at 2019 levels.

Stuart McMillan, who has been campaigning about higher-than-average fuel prices here for several years now, believes the CMA study has exposed operators overcharging customers to boost profits.

Mr McMillan said: “This update from the CMA reflects what I’ve been saying for months: supermarkets have inflated their pump prices to make more profits, rather than the increase in cost being solely a result of global factors.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine did of course have an impact, but the CMA’s assessment to date indicates that the higher prices Inverclyde drivers are facing cannot solely be attributed to factors outside the control of retailers.

"In essence, they have chosen to keep prices high and profits higher rather than helping my constituents during this cost of living crisis.

“What I did find interesting is that the CMA have said that at least one supermarket appears to have significantly increased its margins and consequently, other supermarkets have likely followed suit.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that sounds a lot like a cartel. They are in cahoots to keep prices high."

READ MORE: Fuel prices: Inverclyde MP says watchdog probe must spark change

The government watchdog is now to conduct formal interviews with supermarkets' senior management ahead of a final report in July.

Mr McMillan says he hopes this will finally lead to a fair deal for motorists in the area.

Hes said: “I truly hope that this leads to the UK Government taking action to end the cartel-like pricing of fuel in my constituency.

"Their monopoly must come to an end so drivers, businesses and public services in Inverclyde are no longer being ripped off at the pumps.”