Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has received a reply from the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP, that steps will be taken to review the wholesale and retail fuel supply arrangements to the Western Isles in comparison with other areas of Scotland, and to explain why there is such a big difference in pump prices.

Angus MacNeil commented:

“Since I was elected as an MP in 2005, the single biggest issue of concern among my constituents has been the high price of fuel and especially the difference in price between areas of my constituency and mainland Scotland.  At my request, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore MP, instigated that the OFT look at fuel prices in the Islands, Mr Moore has now informed me that the OFT will look at the wholesale and retail fuel supply to the Islands.

“I welcome this and I hope that they will look closely at the Western Isles situation in comparison to other areas of Scotland, and see what kind of price difference there is when there is more than one fuel supplier in an area.

“Many people have huge concerns about the high cost of fuel and we need to have this issue properly investigated.

“Fuel is an issue that affects each and every one of us whether we have a vehicle or not, when the price of fuel is extremely high as it has been for the past 4 years, it has a huge knock on effect on businesses, especially those in the haulage industry, families and communities.

“I hope now that the OFT get to the bottom of the matter and find out why we in the Hebrides pay much more for fuel at the forecourt in comparison to the mainland.”