PRA RESPONDS TO ROAD FUEL QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORT
PRA 31/03/2025
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA, responded to the March 2025 "Road Fuel quarterly update report".
Press Releases
143 Results Found
PETROL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO CMA REPORT
PRA 28/11/2024
“Petrol retailers continue to price fuel as low as possible in a highly competitive market while grappling with rising costs in the form of business rates, National Insurance, National Minimum Wage and electricity. While I am pleased that the CMA has acknowledged these increased costs as a factor, they have still not incorporated them into their analysis, leaving it incomplete.
PRA urges chancellor to reconsider budget measures impacting fuel retailers
PRA 21/11/2024
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP to express concerns over the potential impact of the Autumn Budget measures on the fuel retail sector.
PRA welcomes fuel duty freeze but highlights tax pressures and rising crime - Autumn Budget 2024
PRA 05/11/2024
“The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has maintained the freeze on fuel duty and continued the 5ppl cut, an outcome the PRA has long advocated for and a significant win for motorists and businesses amid challenging economic times. However, the statement has also introduced a series of tax increases that will deeply impact both motorists and businesses across the UK.
PRA responds to RAC comments on Potential Fuel Duty Rise in October Budget
PRA 29/08/2024
Responding to the RAC's comments regarding a potential fuel duty rise in the October budget, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), said: "For background, the PRA has been transparent with the Government on this issue and has offered to meet with the RAC, but this offer has not yet been accepted.
Car Wash Association applauds Government’s action on illegal workers
PRA 22/07/2024
“In a modern society, there is no place for modern slavery. We welcome the Government's initiative to target businesses employing illegal workers in car washes. However, it is disappointing that it has taken so long to address this well-documented issue.” said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Car Wash Association (CWA).
FUEL PRICING: PRA COMMENTS
PRA 17/06/2024
“Current analyses that compare today’s fuel margins to historical figures overlook several critical factors. We must consider the significant increases in operating costs, reduced fuel volumes post-pandemic, and the substantial investments required to transition to a low-carbon transportation system.
FIXED COST INCREASES FEED INTO MARGINS, SAYS PRA.
PRA 16/04/2024
“While the situation in the Middle East could raise pump prices, petrol retailers are doing all they can to keep prices as low as possible for their customers.
CAR WASH ASSOCIATION COMMENTS ON RIGHT TO WORK OFFENCES
PRA 26/02/2024
Data from the Illegal Immigration Unit at the Home Office showed that 78 hand car washes across the UK had been fined a total of nearly £1.5 million for ‘right to work’ offences in the first nine months of 2023.
PETROL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO RELEASE OF ROAD FUELS CONSULTATION
PRA 16/01/2024
“The PRA has been actively engaged in collaborative efforts with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to enhance fuel price transparency.” said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association.
PRA COMMENTS ON LATEST RAC FUEL ANALYSIS
PRA 04/12/2023
We have been working closely with both the Competition and Markets Authority and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero as they develop their fuel price transparency scheme. Amidst a cost-of-living crisis, the PRA is doing all it can to ensure that motorists have access to the best information possible.
Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) joins forces with Safer Business Action Week to combat business crime
PRA 16/10/2023
“We are proud to announce our active participation in the upcoming Safer Business Action Week, scheduled for 16 – 22 October. This initiative, organised in collaboration with the Association of Convenience Stores, aims to raise awareness and address critical issues surrounding business crime.” said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the PRA.
PRA COMMENTS ON RECENT SURGE IN OIL PRICES
PRA 20/09/2023
In response to the recent surge in oil prices, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), denied forecourts are exploiting consumers with unfair profit margins.
Latest safe car wash app report raises concern for CWA
PRA 02/08/2023
Commenting on the newly released data from The Clewer Initiative's Safe Car Wash App, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Car Wash Association (CWA) said: “I am deeply concerned to see the report highlighting the widespread exploitation taking place in hand car wash businesses, especially as a third of all reports submitted through the app raised significant concerns regarding modern slavery and exploitation. The shocking 127% increase in the number of high-scoring reports referred to the Modern Slavery Helpline (MSH) compared to the previous 6 months is alarming.
PRA URGES MORE CLARITY ON THE BOTTLE DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME (DRS)
PRA 14/06/2023
The Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater on Tuesday 13 June, expressing its concerns over Scotland's Bottle Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
PRA RESPONDS TO CMA ROAD FUEL REVIEW UPDATE
PRA 19/05/2023
Commenting on the Competition and Market Authority’s update, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association said: “The CMA have made supermarkets the focus of their update, noting only that non-supermarket retailers are traditionally price followers in the market.
CWA urges the Government to crack down on employment law abuse
PRA 04/05/2023
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Car Wash Association, said: “Modern slavery is often practised in broad daylight, with non-compliant hand car wash operators openly flouting employment and environmental regulations with total impunity.
PRA RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT DECISION TO REDUCE ENERGY BILL SUPPORT
PRA 02/02/2023
Responding to the Government’s decision to introduce an abbreviated Energy Bill Discount Scheme, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “Our members have worked hard to keep their communities fuelled and fed during unprecedented times. The Government’s failure to provide targeted help to sectors most in need will threaten fuel resilience in the UK.
CAR WASH ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO £42BN HMRC GAP
PRA 12/01/2023
Responding to the Public Accounts Committee’s 2020-2021 HMRC performance report, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Car Wash Association, said: “It is unacceptable that the Government is asking people to make responsible financial decisions when the Treasury itself is owed an astonishing £42bn in unpaid taxes.
PRA RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT DECISION TO REDUCE ENERGY BILL SUPPORT
PRA 11/01/2023
Responding to the Government’s decision to introduce an abbreviated Energy Bill Discount Scheme, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “Our members have worked hard to keep their communities fuelled and fed during unprecedented times. The Government’s failure to provide targeted help to sectors most in need will threaten fuel resilience in the UK.
PRA RESPONDS TO COMPETITION AND MARKETS AUTHORITY REPORT
PRA 08/12/2022
2022 has seen volatile energy prices as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Amid high fuel prices at forecourts, the CMA launched an investigation that culminated in the exoneration of petrol retailers from Government accusations of price gouging.
Forecourt crime: the PRA writes to the Minister of State for Policing
PRA 05/12/2022
The PRA has written to the new Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp, concerning the alarming increase in forecourt drive-offs in which motorists fill up their cars without paying.
PRA COMMENTS ON CHANCELLOR’S AUTUMN STATEMENT
PRA 21/11/2022
Commenting on the measures announced in today’s Autumn Statement Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said: “We welcome the decision taken today by the Chancellor not to reverse the cut to fuel duty. The 5ppl cut previously introduced in March has been essential for families who have no choice but to use their cars.
PRA URGES CHANCELLOR TO MAINTAIN FUEL DUTY CUT
PRA 08/11/2022
Today, the Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, regarding the 5ppl fuel duty cut introduced in March.
CWA ENCOURAGES AWARENESS ON ANTI-SLAVERY DAY
PRA 18/10/2022
Sixteen anti-slavery organisations have joined forces to mark Anti-Slavery Day 2022, on Tuesday October 18 with unregulated, non-compliant hand car washes highlighted as a key area of concern.
PRA RESPONDS TO RAC STATEMENT ON FUEL PRICES
PRA 05/10/2022
Commenting on the latest RAC press release concerning pump prices, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “This year we have seen intense price volatility for petrol and diesel and prices are now back on an upward curve ahead of the OPEC+ meeting.”
PRA COMMENTS ON GOVERNMENT'S NEW GROWTH PLAN
PRA 23/09/2022
Commenting on the Chancellor’s budget, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association said: “Our members are extremely worried about soaring energy costs. While we are encouraged by the Government’s recognition of this issue through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, we are concerned that it will not be enough to mitigate the long-term effects of price increases.”
PRA WROTE TO CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER URGING SUPPORT FOR FORECOURTS
PRA 21/09/2022
Today the Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging government’s recognition of the need to support forecourts businesses facing soaring energy costs this winter.
PRA URGES GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT PETROL STATIONS
PRA 12/09/2022
Following Prime Minister Truss’s plans to help businesses with energy costs for the next six months, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association
HIGHER ENERGY COSTS FORCE UP FUEL RETAILER MARGINS
PRA 05/09/2022
Fuel retail margins need to rise, suggests the Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association today if independent petrol stations are to remain viable businesses throughout this winter.
PRA URGES GOVERNMENT ACTION TO COVER THE ENERGY COST INCREASES
PRA 25/08/2022
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CWA SUPPORTS WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSON BY SHARING CAR WASH APP
PRA 29/07/2022
Tomorrow, Saturday 30 July, is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking In Persons which aims to combat modern day slavery through awareness campaigns.
PETROL RETAILERS GIVEN CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH BY THE CMA
PRA 08/07/2022
The Petrol Retailers Association is reassured by the findings of the CMA’s Road Fuel Review, which has reiterated that there is no evidence that retailers have profited from failing to pass on the fuel duty cut.
PRA RESPONDS TO Rt HON KWASI KWARTENG
PRA 18/05/2022
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association said: “We have responded to the Secretary of State’s letter concerning fuel pricing. In it, we have reiterated our point that we agree on the need for the Fuel Duty cut to be passed on, and that our members have done so.
PRA COMMENTS ON THE EUROPEAN UNIONS BAN ON RUSSIAN EXPORTS
PRA 17/05/2022
“The oil industry’s move to voluntarily embargo Russian diesel ahead of a full phasing out by the end of 2022 is the right decision. However, this in tandem with a pending European Union ban on Russian exports is expected to further tighten global supplies and consumers will start to notice higher pump prices,”
PRA RESPONDS TO CLAIMS THAT FUEL SUPPLIERS ARE "FLEECING" MOTORISTS
PRA 13/04/2022
Responding to claims that have been made that petrol suppliers are “fleecing” motorists and should have cut fuel prices by 20 ppl Gordon Balmer Executive Director of the PRA said,
PRA EXPRESS CONCERN REGARDING RECENT COMMENTS ON FUEL PRICES
PRA 29/03/2022
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps regarding his recent comments concerning fuel pricing. In the letter, the PRA explained that the average dealer forecourt would be unable to pass on the fuel duty cut to consumers immediately, as they first have to deplete their existing stock which was purchased before the cut took effect on 6pm on 23 March.
PRA CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO BACKDATE DUTY CUTNew Title
PRA 23/03/2022
Today, the Chancellor announced a 5p fuel duty cut during the Spring Statement. While this is a step in the right direction, a 5p reduction is not comprehensive enough to reduce the burden on motorists. Other European countries have gone further: for example, Ireland has cut duty by 17p, leaving our members in Northern Ireland at a competitive disadvantage as they are unable to compete with prices across the border.
IMPLEMENTATION OF FUEL DUTY CUT WILL TAKE TIME SAY PETROL RETAILERS
PRA 22/03/2022
The PRA is calling for a fuel duty cut in tomorrow’s Spring Statement, but is urging the Chancellor and motorists to be realistic in their expectations of when the cut will feed through to the pumps.
THE PRA CONTINUES URGING THE CHANCELLOR TO CUT FUEL DUTY
PRA 17/03/2022
Global energy prices are still volatile due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, unduly impacting consumers at the same time as cost-of-living increases. The PRA is calling on the Chancellor to follow the example of other European countries and cut fuel duty to shield consumers from international events.
PRA URGES GOVERNMENT TO CUT FUEL DUTY
PRA 15/03/2022
Ahead of the Budget the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging the Government to cut fuel duty to reduce the burden of soaring energy costs and fuel prices on consumers
PRA CALLS FOR VAT CUT TO OFFSET RISING FUEL PRICES
PRA 02/03/2022
“Over the last 24 hours the price of oil has increased due to concerns over the events in the Ukraine. We expect the rise in global prices to continue and be reflected in UK pump prices, as is the case all over the world.
PRA STATEMENT ON PUMP PRICES
PRA 15/02/2022
“As it has been widely publicised, the tensions between Russia and Ukraine have pushed the price of oil to a seven-year high. As the situation unfolds over the coming days, the price of oil will be subject to further volatility. Other key factors to consider include continued tightness in the oil market and the Dollar-Sterling exchange rate.
PRA WELCOMES DFT’s ‘LOW CARBON STRATEGY CALL FOR IDEAS’
PRA 10/02/2022
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has welcomed the Low Carbon Strategy Call for Ideas recently launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).
PRA COMMENTS ON NET ZERO BY 2030 REPORT FROM MAYOR OF LONDON
PRA 19/01/2022
“While there is a need to reduce tailpipe emissions, especially in cities, local mayors should be mindful that any extra charges will significantly impact low income households who are already struggling with high energy costs”, said Gordon Balmer Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), commenting on a new net-zero by 2030 report commissioned by the Mayor of London and released today.
PRA RESPONDS TO RAC STATEMENT ON FUEL PRICES
PRA 06/01/2022
“December’s pump price data is less reliable because it is taken from fuel card transactions, and there have been far fewer of these transactions because of the reduction in business activity between Christmas and New Year. With pump prices falling towards the end of the month, car drivers travelling over the holiday period are likely to have benefited more than these figures suggest.
PRA Budget 2021 Comment
PRA 27/10/2021
The Petrol Retailers’ Association welcomes the Chancellors confirmation in today’s budget that fuel duty will continue to be frozen for a further 12 months. This will be the 12th year in a row that this tax has been unchanged.
PRA urges chancellor to freeze fuel duty
PRA 22/10/2021
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to the Chancellor stating that it would be economically imprudent for the Government to consider raising fuel duty from the present 57.95ppl in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
PRA warns of record busting pump prices by month end
PRA 20/10/2021
Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, warned today that the record pump prices of 142ppl for petrol and 148ppl for diesel set in April 2012 are almost certain to be eclipsed before the end of October. Experian Catalist UK averages for 19 October were 141.35ppl and 144.84ppl respectively.
PRA calls for independent inquiry into fuel crisis
PRA 07/10/2021
“Today’s PRA survey shows 12 per cent of filling stations in London and the South East are still dry, while 17 per cent have just one grade of fuel. 71 per cent of filling stations in this region have both grades, compared to 90 per cent outside London and the South East.
Pump price rises next shock for motorists
PRA 02/10/2021
Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has alerted Government and the media to the swift rise in the wholesale price of both petrol and diesel over the last week.
Brian Madderson retires from PRA and CWA
PRA 17/09/2021
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) would like to announce that following 12 years of service, Brian Madderson is retiring from his position as Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) and Car Wash Association (CWA) on 31 December 2021.
PRA comments on PM's decision to raise National Insurance
PRA 08/09/2021
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) comments on the Prime Ministers decision to raise National Insurance contributions.
The Petrol Retailers Association welcomes the publication of the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy
PRA 17/08/2021
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), commented, “As part of our long-standing support for the sensible decarbonisation of transport, the PRA welcomes the UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy.
PRA back Daily Mail campaign to end damaging pingdemic
PRA 28/07/2021
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) sign up to Daily Mail campaign to end self-isolation for healthy, double-vaccinated workers.
Forecourt workers are essential and should be exempt from self-isolation requirements if fully vaccinated, says PRA
PRA 22/07/2021
The government announcement to exclude essential workers from self-isolation requirements if they have been double vaccinated should be extended to forecourt workers, says the PRA.
PRA comments on Transport Decarbonisation Plan
PRA 15/07/2021
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) comments on the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
PRA comments on the new petrol and diesel HGV ban
PRA 14/07/2021
Following the Government’s decision to ban new diesel or petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) sold after 2040 as part of a plan to decarbonise the transport sector, the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has described the announcement as “optimistic but completely unrealistic”.
PRA comments on the future of Business Rates revaluations
PRA 08/07/2021
“Following news that the Government has launched a consultation on the frequency of Business Rates Revaluations, the PRA is concerned that the move will be detrimental to members on the assessment of their businesses valuation and make for a more bureaucratic appeals process. This could then make it more difficult for members to appeal their business rates,” said Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
PRA welcomes the Downstream Oil Resilience Bill
PRA 07/07/2021
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has welcomed the publication of The Downstream Oil Resilience Bill, which was introduced last month by Energy Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan.
CWA endorse the government’s decision to establish a single enforcement body
PRA 16/06/2021
The Car Wash Association (CWA), who have lobbied extensively on the matter, are delighted that the Government is sticking to its manifesto pledge by committing to create a Single Enforcement Body that is responsible for ensuring employment rights are being respected.
PRA endorse public education campaign ahead of E10 petrol introduction
PRA 11/06/2021
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) endorse the start of the public education campaign ahead of the introduction of E10 Petrol.
Car Wash Association launches new website
PRA 27/05/2021
After many months of hard work and dedication, the Car Wash Association (CWA) is pleased to announce the launch of its new website.
PRA welcome electric vehicle recommendations in public accounts committee report
PRA 19/05/2021
Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), said: “The PRA welcomes the recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee. We support the process of decarbonisation, but there needs to be a comprehensive plan to enable an effective transition to electric vehicles”.
Gordon Balmer appointed as Executive Director at the Petrol Retailers and Car Wash associations
PRA 05/05/2021
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) and Car Wash Association (CWA) have announced that Gordon Balmer has been appointed as their Executive Director and Retail Motor Industry (RMI) Board member. He joined the PRA in 2014 and has served as its Commercial Manager.
PRA questions Government's "access to cash" plan
PRA 22/04/2021
The PRA is calling on the Government to revise its plans on access to cash. Petrol retailers have a vested interest in cash and guaranteeing that it is widely accessible, we welcome provisions in the Financial Services Bill that would reduce restrictions on offering ‘cashback’. However, the legislation appears ill-thought out.
PRA proud to partner with CrimeStoppers for ‘shopkind’ initiative
PRA 19/04/2021
“The PRA wholeheartedly welcomes this important and unifying initiative to assist in protecting our members and their teams." commented Gordon Balmer, PRA Executive Director,
Ian Paisley MP endorses PRA/CWA call for automatic car washes to reopen immediately
PRA 12/03/2021
"It is illogical for automated car washes to be closed, while they can open in Scotland and Wales, with England also permitting automated roll-overs to be operational" commented Brian Madderson, Chairman of the PRA and CWA
PRA largely welcomes Spring Budget
PRA 03/03/2021
“The new discounted rate from June onwards represents an excellent position to entrench the Uniform Business Rate (UBR) and create a more proportional and fairer system for forecourt businesses.” commented Brian Madderson, Chairman of the PRA