FUEL price rises and higher margins for suppliers with fewer oil companies selling more fuel through a reduced number of sites is the predicted future for the UK marketplace according to James Frost, chairman of Save Group, the UK's largest independent petrol retailer.

The predictions come following 'a period of unprecedented change in the oil industry worldwide' which has seen Save's pre-tax profits for the six months to June 24 slump 72.7% from £4.1million to £1.1million before exceptionals on turn-over down from £244.95million to £236.75million due to tough market conditions.