The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is set to scrutinise whether a lack of competition is causing consumers to pay higher grocery and fuel prices.
Although the CMA has not yet identified specific competition issues in the grocery sector, it emphasises the importance of ensuring weak competition isn't exacerbating the problem.
The watchdog discovered that supermarket fuel prices in 2022 were around 5p more expensive per litre than pre-pandemic levels.
The CMA stated that factors other than the Ukraine invasion have influenced pump prices.
Retailers, particularly supermarkets, were criticised for their role in these higher prices.
The CMA expressed dissatisfaction with the level of evidence provided by supermarkets during its road fuel market study. In order to delve deeper into the matter, the CMA said it plans to conduct formal interviews with supermarket senior management.