FED-UP motorists in Inverclyde could have access to live information comparing fuel prices within weeks as the battle against rip-off rates intensifies.

The Competition and Markets Authority watchdog plans to create a voluntary scheme which would give drivers up to the minute data showing prices.

MP Ronnie Cowan has welcomed the move and is hopeful it will create a level playing field, but says it will only work if it is followed by effective UK Government legislation.

Greenock Telegraph:

The SNP man has previously hit out at supermarket forecourt pricing in Inverclyde as little better than 'a cartel', after comparing high prices here with much lower rates elsewhere in Scotland including neighbouring Renfrewshire.

Now the CMA has written to the MP setting out proposals to introduce a temporary price comparator system as a stop-gap measure ahead of planned legislation in the autumn.

While the big retailers have blamed soaring inflation for prices at the pumps, Mr Cowan says this does not explain wildly differing prices which see Inverclyde drivers charged up to 10 per cent more than customers in other areas.

A CMA probe into pricing in May found that UK motorists paid out £900 million extra for fuel in 2022, £75 million a month more than they should under proper competition.

The government has now accepted a series of recommendations following the CMA market study.

The CMA says its new temporary live price comparator scheme could be in place by the end of this month.

Mr Cowan said: "I welcome any move which shines a light on rip-off petrol prices.

"The temporary CMA scheme should show different retailers' prices in one area as compared to another, and I believe that will make it more difficult for local operators to hike prices.

"I have contacted the major supermarkets and while some did engage with me, others didn't, and I have never had any satisfactory answers over why prices in Inverclyde were hiked so much compared to other areas."

Mr Cowan says it is unacceptable for fuel providers to hike prices on the forecourts.

He said: "During a cost of living crisis, when people are struggling to put food on the table, and small businesses are operating under unprecedented costs, there is no excuse for greedflation.

"While the government scheme will not be able to set prices, it will, when it is introduced, hold these operators to account.

"I'm calling on the UK Government to make the scheme fully statutory and I want to see all fuel providers sign-up to be accountable.

"There must be no watering down of this legislation.

"Fuel providers are on a warning. If these measures do not work then tougher laws will be needed."