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Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 'We're not profiteering on fuel. But my staff still face abuse'

Independent retailer Goran Raven says the higher oil price is "horrific" for him as well as his customers.
Goran Raven, owner of a family-run petrol station in Romford, says no one benefits from the current price surge. Since the start of the war in the Middle East two weeks ago, the price of oil has surged, causing petrol to reach an 18-month high and diesel prices to increase for over two years, according to the RAC. Raven's business has been around for four generations, but this is one of the most challenging periods they've faced. As a smaller independent petrol station, they pay daily spot prices, meaning they have no choice but to absorb the rising costs. Larger retailers and supermarkets buy fuel in advance, which means the price increases are filtered through more gradually. The storage at Raven's petrol station is small, holding only just over a day's worth of fuel. When the tanker arrives, they receive the new price, often without knowing it beforehand. This can lead to significant price shocks, with prices increasing by as much as £2,000 in one day. Raven has gone out of his way to explain the situation to customers and has even posted about it on social media. However, he and his staff are facing hostility from drivers who are upset by the price increases. Fuel theft has also risen, according to Raven. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has criticized the government's language, saying it could encourage poor behavior. The PRA rejects the suggestion of price gouging, with some members even potentially making a loss on diesel sales. A new fuel finder app has been launched, covering over 90% of fuel retailers, to help ensure a more competitive market for fuel. Raven hopes that the situation in the Middle East will settle soon, allowing him to adjust prices and pass the savings onto his customers.