fourm member

**A man went to the Job Centre and was asked what job he'd had. 'I was an independent petrol retailer but when a new supermarket opened I didn't cut my petrol prices because I didn't want people to think I was involved in price fixing.'**

Job centre staff to man
'sorry mate you should have cut your cost earlier and you might have still had your business, however if you really want a job that new supermarket is looking for forecourt staff@

namtas

You are the one missing the point and, by so doing, illustrating why the OFT concluded as it did and why 'the man in the street' is not a reliable source.

There is no product differentiation for petrol. Oil companies try and convince people they have magic additives but the truth is most people couldn't tell the difference between differnt brands of fuel.

That means that if Tesco charges £1.39 a litre the independent half a mile down the road can't charge £1.42 a litre. If he cuts his price to £1.39 some people will see it is as price fixing. But it isn't.

Apart from when on holiday, I cannot remember the last time I used other than a supermarket filling station.

With a range of around 650 miles on a full tank, it's easy to wait until the next shopping trip to fill up without going out of my way.

Tesco or Sainsburys points are an added incentive.

The independents are mostly closed now and naturally the supermarkets are no longer as keenly priced as they once were. That's business.

spider9

Perhaps you should read and study my comments more clearly, and not make wild guesses or assumptions. Where did I say "inferior" or anything else you have suggested?.

spider9

spuds is hinting at the idea that all fuel comes from the same tank and there is absolutely no difference between brands.