A THIRD of Inverclyde’s motorists are now buying their fuel elsewhere because of sky-high prices at home, according to a new survey.

The findings were revealed by local MSP Stuart McMillan, who issued 10,000 petrol questionnaires to local households.

Mr McMillan says the results of his research show that the number of people driven out of the town to fill up could hit the local economy — and jobs — hard.

Almost all local drivers who returned the questionnaire said they believed they were being ripped off.

Mr McMillan has now written to the senior management of Inverclyde’s fuel suppliers asking to meet them to discuss the cost of petrol and diesel in the local area.

He asked people if they felt they pay more for fuel in Inverclyde than in neighbouring areas and where they regularly buy fuel for their car.

A total of 1,579 responses were received.

Mr McMillan said an analysis of the results shows that 99 per cent of drivers in Inverclyde feel they pay over the odds when compared with prices charged in other areas.

Two thirds said they regularly buy fuel for their car in Inverclyde, but 33 per cent of Inverclyde’s drivers said they regularly purchase fuel for their vehicle outwith Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said: “It is evidently clear that people in Inverclyde are paying more at the pumps compared with neighbouring areas.

“However, what has become apparent in the survey is that a large number of Inverclyde’s motorists are now filling up outwith Inverclyde, which can have a detrimental effect on the local economy and jobs.” Mr McMillan now intends to take the results of his research directly to fuel suppliers and convince them to drop prices.

He said: “I have written to the heads of the area’s fuel suppliers seeking a meeting with them in order that I can discuss these results, and make representation to them on behalf of the people of Inverclyde.”