LOCAL fuel retailers are being urged to publish their petrol prices online as part of a new campaign for transparency launched by the area’s MSP.

Stuart McMillan is asking fuel retailers to publish their unleaded and diesel prices for all of their garages across Scotland so that consumers can see what is being offered here against costs in other areas.

The Inverclyde member of parliament said he feels local motorists are being consistently penalised — and has called for change.

He told the Tele: “I’m once again raising the issue of unfair petrol pricing in Inverclyde as the costs to my constituents cannot be ignored any longer. 

“I travel to Edinburgh almost every week to attend parliament and it’s ridiculous that fuel costs almost 10p less per litre in Scotland’s capital city than in my constituency.”

As part of his ‘Fair Fuel Inverclyde’ campaign, Mr McMillan is urging fuel retailers to come clean on their pricing strategy.

He added: “Retailers should publish the daily petrol costs for all their garages across Scotland so consumers can see what is being offered in other areas. 

“Many of my constituents have already told me they try to fill up in Paisley and Renfrew if passing to avoid the costs in Inverclyde.

“I’m hoping this practice, which would help consumers visualise the inconsistent petrol pricing across Scotland, would force supermarkets to consider a consistent pricing scheme nationally rather than trying to remain competitive locally, as clearly some Scots are getting a better deal than others simply due to where they live.”

Mr McMillan has contacted Morrisons, Tesco and BP over the matter.

He added: “I’m publishing the letters I’ve received from Morrisons, Tesco and BP so my constituents can see for themselves that all three fuel retailers are refuting claims that their fuel costs are unfairly high.

Inverclyde is not a rural area; it’s a 35 minute drive from Glasgow. 

“Why then are my constituents being subjected to extortionate petrol costs? 

“It seems these big retailers are more concerned with their petrol pricing strategies rather than putting their customers first.”

http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/news/15710069.Inverclyde_MSP___s_petrol_price_plea/