The consumer watchdog has issued a statement indicating that current retail practices in the fuel sector may be resulting in consumers paying more than necessary for petrol and diesel. According to the watchdog, the lack of strong competition among fuel retailers is a key factor contributing to sustained high profit margins. This situation potentially limits price reductions in the marketplace, affecting individual consumers and the broader economy by inflating transportation costs and reducing disposable income. The watchdog emphasizes that increased market oversight and regulation could promote fairer pricing strategies across the fuel retail industry. Additionally, recent market analyses reveal that despite fluctuations in crude oil prices, retail fuel prices have remained relatively high, suggesting that retailer profit margins are a significant driver of costs for consumers. Improvements in market competition, potentially through policy adjustments or increased transparency, are recommended to ensure fairer pricing and protect consumer interests. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to evaluate current market structures and consider measures to foster increased competition, such as supporting new entrants or regulating profit margins to maintain equitable fuel prices. This approach aims to balance the interests of retailers with consumer protection, ensuring that price levels reflect actual market conditions rather than monopolistic practices.