Rural Fuel Not Affected By Supermarket Price Cuts

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has expressed concern that while those in urban areas will be pleased that the Supermarkets have reduced the price of petrol, many of those in rural areas, dependent on their car, will miss out on these reductions and continue to pay higher petrol prices.

Mr Stevenson is calling on the UK Chancellor to introduce a system whereby those in rural areas would pay a fairer price on their petrol.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

"While those living in close proximity to a major Supermarket will be pleased that fuel prices have been reduced, this will not affect many living in rural areas who continue to pay the highest fuel prices not only in Europe but in the world.

"In the past fortnight the UK media have been harping that the big cities could see forecourt prices reaching the pound a litre mark. However, many rural areas in Scotland have been paying that and more for nearly a year. In fact, in one or two areas the price is a high as £1.10 a litre.

"Rural communities do not enjoy the same public transport links as urban areas and are, therefore, heavily reliant on their own cars. However, with continued increases in petrol prices, rural economies could be destroyed. It is, therefore, vital that the UK Chancellor introduces a lifeline to these communities.

"The Chancellor of the Exchequer has the power to offset these rises through tax and must take action to protect rural economies, such as Banff & Buchan. Implementing a fuel tax regulator, as suggested by the SNP, could provide this protection without affecting revenue.

"If Mr Brown can support France when they successfully achieved a derogation on fuel prices for their remote regions, then why can't he support Scotland's rural areas?"
Categories [Environment and Rural Development]