Petrol prices fall in Midhurst following 'unfair' pricing

The reduction which has been reflected in garages across the country with the AA reporting prices dropping below 175p a litre.

In last week’s edition of the Midhurst and Petworth Observer, Gordon McAra, district councillor for Midhurst, said garages in the town are ‘overcharging’ residents and claimed they are taking what he called 'excessive profits’.

A spokesperson for BP said makes the company a profit margin of a ‘few pence’ per litre sold and operates in competition with ‘many other players’ and does not always set the pump price.

Following the story petrol prices have fallen as much as 6p per litre in Midhurst.

Attributing this in part to the press coverage as well as members of the public boycotting high prices, Midhurst district councillor, Gordon McAra said: "I'm glad that our local garages have acknowledged growing resistance to the high fuel prices in the town.

"At a time where a litre of petrol is well under £1.60 in Manchester, charging £1.85 in Midhurst was unacceptable.

“Public pressure via our local paper has been helpful as well as motorists voting with their feet and looking for a better deal elsewhere. “

I hope there are further reductions in hand which will be a real help in a rural area where a car is a necessity."

Backing up these comments, Midhurst Town Councillor, Dominic Merritt added: "I think our shoppers and motorists have been taken for granted, so it is time that the balance of costs move in their favour. I hope that our supermarkets will also take this on board."