Price cuts? Not here, says garage boss
FALLING petrol prices are taking us further on the daily commute.
Motorists may, however, be less jubilant in Angus, where a filling station owner is refusing to lower prices.
The falling price of crude oil means most drivers are paying around 105p per litre. But Stracathro Services, near Brechin, is still selling unleaded at 1 8.9p per litre and diesel at 152.9p.
The unrepentant owner, who was yesterday accused of ‘fleecing’ drivers, said she had no intention of lowering prices.
Stracathro Services director Pat Melville-Evans admitted her tariff had not taken account of the falling cost of oil.
But she added: ‘More than 90 per cent of the fuel sold is to hauliers and commercial vehicles who have contracts. They get discounted rates.’
Mrs Melville-Evans said she could cut her prices but it would mean laying off staff. She added: ‘I could compete with Asda and the other supermarkets, but for them it is a loss leader.
‘As it is, I only make about 8 per cent profit on the retail fuel I sell.’
But Howard Cox, who leads the Fair Fuel UK campaign, said: ‘This fuel price is the highest I’ve heard of in Scotland. There is no justification and it is fleecing the motorist by blatant profiteering.’
Meanwhile, thousands of Scots are set for a petrol price cut aimed at tackling the postcode lottery affecting rural areas.
The European Commission has agreed to a 5p rebate which would benefit 125,000 motorists, many of whom are in the Highlands, where petrol can cost upwards of 15p a litre more than in the cities. The new deal, which has still to be ratified by EU member countries, would let them claim back 5p per litre from the taxman, a deal at present offered only to drivers on the islands.
Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: ‘This is great news for motorists. For people who live in rural areas cars are a necessity, not a luxury.’