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Stornoway, Lewis
High fuel prices raised with Scottish Affairs Committee 22/9/11
The Scottish Affairs Select Committee is being asked to investigate wholesale fuel costs to the Western Isles in light of the high prices suffered by islanders.
Prices differ across the islands with motorists in South Uist paying 153.9 for unleaded and 157.9p for diesel. The price of unleaded petrol in Stornoway is 150.9 a litre while diesel costs 153.9 pence.
The bigger island filling stations only apply a five pence per litre mark-
Ironically, mainland retailers are selling fuel at the pump dramatically cheaper than the supply price set by Scottish Fuel to island filling stations. Inverness prices are presently 133.9p for unleaded and 137.9p for diesel.
Councillor Donald Manford is raising the issue as MPs look at the economic development of coastal areas. The cross party group is holding an inquiry into the Crown Estate and are examining factors affecting the Western Isles on their tour of the islands.
Mr Manford said: “The situation is such that I am asking the Scottish Affairs Committee to take an interest in this vital issue, and try and get to the bottom of why there is such a huge difference between fuel prices in the islands and the mainland.
“If this request is not successful, then I hope that our MP Angus MacNeil will bring it to the attention of the relevant parliamentary committees so that they will investigate the high cost of fuel distribution to the Western Isles.”
Angus MacNeil commented: “For a few months now I have been raising the issue of the high cost of fuel and Scottish Fuels distribution methods on the floor of the House of Commons. Scottish Fuels is a company which has an unhealthy stranglehold on the Western Isles.
“ I hope that councillor Manford, who along with councillor John Mackay who chairs the Comhairle’s Fuel Member/Officer working group came up with this initiative, will receive a positive response, and get the Scottish Affairs Committee to investigate this issue.”
• What price are you paying? E-