Cheaper fuel should mean cheaper fares, says MSP

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has asked the Scottish minister for transport and the islands, Derek Mackay, when NorthLink ferry users can expect to see reduced fares, reflecting the fall in oil prices.

He has also questioned why ministers agreed to fare increases at a time when oil prices are half what they were four months ago.

Mr McArthur said: “This seems to make little sense and pushes up the cost for all those using our lifeline ferry services. For example, I am told that farmers in Orkney are now being asked to pay more in basic charges as well as in meterage rates. This at a time when many are already having to contend with reductions in single farm payments.

“This is an issue for all ferry users, however, and I have written to Scottish ministers and Serco NorthLink asking when people in Orkney can expect to see fares coming down. Under the terms of the contract ministers signed with Serco, the Fuel Management Programme allows for revisions ‘where the price of fuel reduces by ten per cent or more’.

“Even if there is a time lag to this coming into effect, ministers must accept the case for a reduction.”