The Truth About UK Fuel Prices: Who Really Profits?

In this episode of Wolfe Power Club, Alex Wolfe is joined by Managing Director, Tom Highland (Highland Group), and Commercial Director, Sarah Kind (Edge Petrol), to uncover the truth behind fuel prices as the UK enters week six of disruption following the Iran conflict.With diesel prices up by as much as 40-50p per litre in just weeks, politicians have accused retailers of profiteering, but this episode challenges that narrative using real data from over 1,000 UK forecourts.We break down what’s really happening at the pump: shrinking retailer margins, rising wholesale costs and the reality that most of the price you pay is driven by tax and global markets, not forecourt profits.The episode also busts the biggest myths, including the idea that petrol stations are sitting on weeks of cheap fuel, and explains why independents often look more expensive than supermarkets during volatile periods.From panic buying and supply concerns to the growing gap between petrol and diesel, this is a clear, no-nonsense look at one of the biggest cost-of-living issues in the UK today.Tom Highland is the Managing Director of Highland Group. A family-run fuel retail business for over 45 years with 6 sites across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Suffolk. He has taken a leadership role in running the sites for 10 years. Winner of several Forecourt Trader awards, including the Special Recognition award in 2024. First to trial Co-op's new & Co-op fascia offer. The business currently has 5 sites with BP and 1 with Esso, and previously with Shell. Tom runs a TikTok account to show what it's like to run a petrol station from under the @thepetrolretailer channel.Sarah Kind is Commercial Director at EdgePetrol, a fuel pricing and analytics platform supporting around 1,000 independent forecourts. She joined in 2018 to build the Customer Success function when the business was in its early stages, and has since moved into a commercial leadership role. Sarah works closely with retailers to help them navigate fuel pricing, improve performance, and stay competitive in a fast-changing market. She is passionate about building customer relationships and bringing practical insight to the complexities of fuel pricing.Season Two is in Partnership with The SpectatorTickets for the upcoming The Spectator Energy Summit, on Monday 30th November 2026, are available on sale. Use code: WPC50 for 50% off your purchaseIf you would like to partner with The Spectator Energy Summit, please contact Alex on LinkedIn or [email protected] Our SocialsWebsite: https://www.wolfepowerclub.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfePowerClubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfe-power-club/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfepowerclub/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wolfe.power.club Wolfe Power Club Production TeamFounder and Host: Alex WolfeDirector of Government Relations: Max AustinDesigner: Nick PelekanosEditor: Adam WoodwardSocial Media Manager: Bella Carter Recorded at Studio 55 - which has produced podcasts, including Breaking the Taboo with Theo Clarke and The ABTO Podcast