widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Politics / MSPs call for better value at the pumps

The price of fuel in Lerwick on 3 December 2018. Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News

SHETLAND and Orkney’s MSPs have joined forces to call for more action on tackling the “substantial discrepancy” between fuel prices in the Northern Isles and the Scottish Mainland.

Liberal Democrats Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur have lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to highlight what they say are increasing fuel prices when the cost of crude oil is decreasing.

The MSPs’ motion says that in Shetland diesel can cost up to £1.44 per litre, with some mainland prices sitting at around £1.19.

They also say people are paying up to £1.50 for a litre of petrol in Orkney.

Their motion acknowledges that the UK Government introduced a 5p cut for fuel prices in rural areas like the Northern Isles in 2012 – but Scott and McArthur said more needs to be done.

“Residents and businesses in Orkney and Shetland are rightly frustrated that inflated fuel prices continue to hit them in their pockets,” the two MSPs said.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“In rural communities, cars, vans and lorries are rarely a luxury. They are an essential part of getting to work or school, and keeping businesses running.

“The argument that higher fuel prices come from increased transport costs is not enough to explain the current difference in price. At a time when we are seeing crude oil prices tumbling, we are just not seeing that reflected at the pumps.

“We hope that MSPs from across the parties will support this motion highlighting the growing disparity in fuel prices and help us put pressure on the Scottish and UK Governments to commit to serious action to reduce fuel costs in the isles.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.