Same goods, same services - yet thousands pay more

The OFT findings suggest people from remote areas pay more for petrol at the pump. Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

The Office of Fair Trading has published new findings lifting the lid on why people in remote areas of the UK pay more.

Around half a million people live in such areas. They complain about high fuel and grocery prices, limited or high cost delivery services, inadequate public transport, slow internet speeds and poor mobile coverage.

The OFT found that higher prices and limited choice in these areas can result from low sales volumes and weak competition, with some businesses having local monopolies.

At last this "Cinderella" subject is being addressed.

While it is true that the internet increasingly offers opportunities to access a wider range of suppliers - thousands feel ripped off in this very pricey postcode lottery.

Now we need to know what the OFT will do about this - and businesses should be on notice that they are being watched.

If you have suffered this postcode price discrimination please send me your story so we can keep the spotlight lit on it.

Email me at Yourstory@itv.com.