FUEL HIKE TO HIT GORDON MOTORISTS AND BUSINESSES
>> 1 October 2010
PETROL PRICES: A TRUE TEST FOR THE LIB DEMS IN COALITION
Gordon MSP, Alex Salmond, has slammed today’s fuel duty increase saying it’s the last thing motorists and businesses in rural communities like Gordon need.
The fuel hike puts another penny on the cost of a litre of both petrol and diesel.
Commenting Mr Salmond said,
“In rural communities like Gordon having a car is a necessity, not a luxury. This will have a crippling effect on motorists and businesses that rely on affordable fuel to remain profitable.
“Scotland is an oil rich country but we’re currently paying the highest fuel prices in Europe. It’s a national scandal. The coalition must act now to drive down fuel prices, rather than jeopardising recovery by lumbering businesses with further increases. This is a true test for the Lib Dems in particular given that they spoke out strongly against fuel rises in opposition.
“What we need is a fuel duty regulator – which means any extra cash raised from VAT on higher pump prices would go straight back into an equivalent cut in fuel.
“Today's rise is the last thing that motorists in Gordon need. It dips into the pockets of every single rural motorist who relies on a vehicle for work or for pleasure – and local companies are going to feel the pinch acutely.”
