DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY MOTORISTS MUST BE PROTECTED FROM HIGH FUEL COSTS (Jim Hume)

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY MOTORISTS MUST BE PROTECTED FROM HIGH FUEL COSTS

April 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland, has today voiced his concern at the need for action to protect motorists in Dumfries and Galloway from high fuel prices as a reaction to the closure of the oil refinery in Grangemouth.

Scottish Liberal Democrats have written to the First Minister calling on him to instigate monitoring of fuel prices charged by garages and to see if any restrictions are now being placed on the supply.

Jim Hume said:-

"The First Minister is adamant there is no fuel crisis. So there should be no excuse for motorists to face higher prices as a reaction to problems at Grangemouth.

"The Government needs to protect fuel supply, but also protect consumers any further price increases.

The MSP continued:-

"I want Scottish Ministers to take steps to make sure motorists in Dumfries and Galloway don't get punished in the pocket."

Keith Mycock, Libdem Candidate for the Abbey By Election, added:-

"The price of fuel is now frightening, in the more rural parts of Scotland you have to think very hard before travelling at all. If the price goes on rising at this tremendous rate it won't be long before the whole economy starts to stagnate."