WHSmith has been accused of "obscene price gouging" after an investigation found its airport stores charging tourists more than double the price of basic goods compared with other shops in the same terminals. The findings, uncovered by The Mail on Sunday, come amid growing concern over the cost of shopping at airports, with consumer experts urging travellers to shop around rather than assume all terminal retailers charge similarly inflated prices.

At Gatwick, Heathrow and Glasgow airports, a 750ml bottle of Evian water cost around £4 in WH Smith versus as little as £1.80 elsewhere, while Walkers crisps were £2.69 compared with £1.30 in Boots, and Polo mints were £2.69 against £1.10 in Boots. Similar disparities were found at London Victoria station. The comparisons follow a difficult period for WH Smith, which issued a profit warning and sold £100 million of shares this summer after citing reduced air travel linked to the Iran war, and has also been shedding high street stores while retaining hundreds of travel hub outlets. WH Smith said its stores face higher operating costs but insisted it offers value through deals and £1 drinks, and reviews pricing to stay competitive.