Fuel price comparison sites have been slammed as useless with claims they will only lead to higher prices at the pump.

Consumers may be unwittingly hit in the hip pocket as fuel checking sites used to get a better deal may actually be used by major retailers to lift prices and put smaller operators out of business, lessening market competition.

Petrol costs have soared, with claims a lack of competition is keeping prices high. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

NSW Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Yasmin Catley, hit out at fuel price websites such as the government-backed Fuel Check, stating they created an environment of collusion between major petrol providers.

"I'm concerned the Government’s fuel check program is delivering perverse outcomes - higher fuel prices rather than lower ones," Ms Catley told Fairfax Media.