Morrisons takeover could lead to higher fuel prices, watchdog warns

Competition and Markets Authority says deal could lead to higher costs for motorists in 121 areas of Britain

Fuel prices, already at record levels, could be pushed higher in 121 locations across the UK as a result of the 7bn takeover of Morrisons by a US private equity firm, the consumer watchdog has said.

The Competition and Markets Authority opened an investigation in January into the supermarket chain's takeover by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), examining matters including a potential lessening in competition between petrol forecourts.