ISLES MSP FURY AT THREAT OF NEW ISLANDS FUEL MONOPOLY

ISLES MSP FURY AT THREAT OF NEW ISLANDS FUEL MONOPOLY

WESTERN ISLES FUEL PRICES SET TO ROCKET

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan has reacted with fury at reports that Scottish Fuels, who are reported to have bought competitors Brogan Fuels, intend to increase by around 10 pence a litre the price at which fuel is supplied to the islands.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“For some time now Brogan Fuels have ensured that Scottish Fuels is not the only supplier to island petrol stations, something which has provided some much needed competition. It was noticeable that when Brogans offered to bring in fuel by road tanker Scottish Fuels dropped their prices in Lewis and Harris. Now the news is that Brogans is to be purchased by Scottish Fuels themselves, removing any real element of competition.

“I have now been contacted by many concerned businesses in the islands who have been informed that Scottish Fuels now intend to put up their prices again by as much as 10 pence a litre. I have today written to Scottish Fuels asking them whether they can confirm if this is true. I have also raised the matter with the UK Government as I do not believe that a monopoly is in the interests of islanders who already pay through the nose for their fuel.”