The OCU is promoting a collective fuel-buying initiative to secure better prices

The Unión de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU) continues to promote collective purchasing as a mechanism to help consumers obtain better prices. In recent years the OCU has negotiated electricity purchases and mobile tariffs, and it is now also entering the motor sector with the proposal of a collective fuel purchase.

‘I want to pay less for petrol’ is the name of this proposal, which will be open until 12 May. Everyone who wants to take part can sign up free of charge on the website. The OCU’s aim is to obtain savings of around 6 to 8 cents per litre on petrol and diesel, from which those who sign up on the website could benefit.

Among the data requested is the consumption profile of those interested, since this helps the OCU estimate demand and negotiate with the companies involved. If the purchase goes ahead, users would receive information about the petrol station in their area where they can refuel, the discounts they would obtain, and the means of obtaining them, which will be a savings card that identifies them.

With this type of purchase the OCU wants to benefit users and protect them against prices that have always been called into question due to factors such as increases around holiday periods, possible price-fixing agreements, and the small reduction we see in fuel prices even though there are times when the price of a barrel of crude oil is at historic lows.

At present around 50,000 people have already signed up, so the proposal seems to be well received, and many of us will be following its progress closely. Moreover, signing up does not oblige you to anything, so you can register and then continue refuelling at your usual petrol station if the discount on offer does not interest you.