Fuel prices eight pence higher in Inverclyde

Research from industry experts and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that it is on average three pence per litre more expensive to fill up your tank in Inverclyde than in neighbouring areas like Renfrewshire or Glasgow.

However, as prices in Inverclyde rose to an average of £1.85 per litre for petrol and £1.94 for diesel on Friday, the gap has now widened to as much as eight pence.

The Tele visited local petrol station pumps to speak to drivers, who voiced their anger at the ‘unfair’ treatment of Inverclyde residents.

Eddie Murray, pictured, from Greenock, says the issue has been going on 'for decades'.

He said: “It’s often more expensive here than anywhere else.

"It’s a rip-off.

“Tesco and Morrisons raise the prices here to make a profit because they know people here simply don’t have a choice at times other than to fill up.

“It’s totally unfair.

"The same petrol that gets delivered to nearby Glasgow and Paisley gets delivered here, but when you go there, prices are cheaper.”

Ted Oakley, from Larkfield, thinks that retail giants need to be held accountable by local politicians for their business practices.

He said: “How much you pay for fuel has become a postcode lottery in Scotland - and Inverclyde is losing out.

“The problem is that there is no competition.

"Morrisons and Tesco just increase the prices between each other.

"It’s like a cartel.

“Tesco say they lock prices for groceries to help with the cost of living crisis but then they go and increase fuel prices and put people out of pocket in this area.

"It’s ridiculous.

“Tesco and Morrisons should be made to answer in ways they contribute to the cost of living crisis.”

Ted has called on local politicians to step up and address the issue.

He added: “I know this was raised at the Scottish Parliament recently, but Kate Forbes' response was disappointing.

"Too often it is dismissed as a Westminster matter, we really need politicians to step up."