Asda leads the way by becoming the first supermarket to display daily local fuel prices online.
- Drivers can now check fuel prices at Asda stations prior to travel, aiding cost-saving decisions.
- Prices are updated each morning at 10:30am, offering the previous day’s closing price for reference.
- A future system is planned to provide real-time pricing, enhancing transparency and consumer trust.
- Following MP scrutiny, Asda vows to collaborate on an industry-wide fuel pricing scheme.
Asda has notably become the first supermarket to publish local fuel prices online, a move which has been prompted by heightened public scrutiny over escalating costs. This initiative provides motorists with the ability to check both petrol and diesel prices at Asda filling stations, which can now be accessed on their store locator pages. Such transparency is aimed at empowering consumers to make informed decisions before setting out on their journeys.
The fuel prices will be refreshed daily at 10:30am, reflecting the previous day’s closing figures. This system stands as an interim measure while Asda develops a more sophisticated real-time pricing structure, expected to be unveiled in the coming months, to facilitate even greater consumer insight and decision-making capabilities.
The decision aligns with recent findings from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which unveiled that customers were paying £900 million more annually at supermarket-owned fuel stations due to elevated profit margins. Consequently, an initiative has been proposed to encourage supermarkets to disclose fuel prices, providing customers with comprehensive data for price comparison. Asda’s proactive stance in publishing prices forms part of this broader voluntary scheme aimed at promoting market competitiveness and transparency.
An Asda spokesperson remarked, “Asda is proud to be the price leader in the fuel market, and by sharing our prices online, customers will be able to find the best value at the pumps before they get in the car.” This statement reflects Asda’s commitment to value and transparency amidst industry pressure and customer advocacy for fairer pricing structures.
Significantly, this development follows contentious discussions within the Business and Trade Committee, where Asda’s co-owner, Mohsin Issa, faced rigorous questioning. Despite criticism, Issa maintained that Asda’s pricing strategy has remained consistent since the acquisition in 2021.
Asda’s initiative to display fuel prices online marks a significant advancement in consumer transparency and market fairness.
