UK ministers set to convene isles fuel meeting

UK ministers are set to convene a meeting with petrol wholesalers to discuss fuel prices in the Scottish Islands.

The decision was announced yesterday after Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael called for a summit during a meeting with Scotland Office minister David Mundell and other MPs representing the areas covered by the 5p per litre fuel derogation.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Carmichael said strong action should be taken against anyone who can be shown to have abused the isles’ fuel duty derogation.

“The duty derogation for the isles was hard won and has made a real difference at the pumps for motorists in Orkney and Shetland. However, anecdotal reports that the price difference between petrol bought on the mainland and in the isles has grown is of significant concern,” he said.

“This is a tax cut designed to help people struggling with the cost of transport, not line the pockets of people in the supply chain. Where people can be shown to have abused the derogation we need to see the strongest possible action.”