John Oram's photos with the keyword: Consumer

This picture is the latest in an occasional series dating from 2012. During that time, I have also maintained a commentary on social media focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on BP and Rownhams Services (M27). In my previous pictures, I noted price differentials compared to typical supermarket prices of around 11.2p-14.2p a litre which you might think bad enough but, in the last 2-3 years the differential has, for much of the time, been much higher. In this illustration, where unleaded is 133.9p/l, the current ASDA price (Fareham) is 107.7p/l, a difference of 26.2p. BP, although not entirely alone, symbolises greed at the pumps - its town prices are usually also significantly above those of supermarkets and rivals. I can only repeat that this kind of exploitation is completely unnecessary and I remain baffled that many drivers appear to be impervious to these high prices. TZ70_P1030152E

Fuel prices are, in fact, much lower than in 2012 but they are currently rising again. For all the ups and downs, one thing which does not change is the extraordinary amount by which motorway prices exceed those in and around towns. On the date of this photograph, BP's own town prices for diesel were around 121.9 - 123.9 and a major supermarket wanted only 117.7 - 118.7 (at two different sites). A price of 135.9, then, is pretty well inexplicable except in terms of greed. 200_2_P1140790C

In May and October of 2012, I first commented on the outrageously high fuel prices charged by BP on motorways. In recent months, prices have fallen dramatically but BP maintains its motorway policy. This is Rownhams services M27(E). Diesel can be bought at 110.7p per litre in towns accessed from this motorway but here the price is 122.9. Whatever the official line including the old chestnut about having to provide 24hr service, there can be no excuse for this differential. 200_2_P1020682