Paying Through The Nozzle
2024The Barnsley Chronicle’s ‘Paying Through the Nozzle’ campaign was launched last year to address the unfair pricing of petrol in Barnsley, in comparison with far more affluent places such as Chelsea, Richmond and Bath.
The Chronicle launched an online petition, garnering over 700 signatures, and also engaged with media minister Stephanie Peacock MP to support the campaign. Stephanie Peacock MP raised the issue in Parliament and also wrote to major fuel suppliers and supermarkets, urging for reforms.
Since the campaign was launched last year, the cost of petrol in Barnsley in August 2024 dropped by around 11 pence per litre. Prices are now more comparable to those in other areas.
“I was pleased to launch my campaign to lower petrol prices last summer, alongside the Barnsley Chronicle, which called on local petrol providers to lower their prices in line with other comparable areas. Barnsley had some of the most expensive prices in the country and often more expensive than central London. Too many local people were facing higher costs in comparison to nearby areas. The Chronicle launched a petition online and this is something I raised in the Commons numerous times, and presented to Parliament. Thank you to the Barnsley Chronicle for drawing attention to this issue and supporting the call for lower prices. It shows one of the ways that local newspapers are so important, by highlighting issues and helping to bring about change.”
Stephanie Peacock MP, DCMS media minister