George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has called on the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to secure a fuel price derogation for Scotland’s most rural and remote areas.

Mr Lyon has asked the European Commission to look into fuel derogation schemes that have been used in other EU Member States. His investigation has found that petrol prices in the areas that benefit from the scheme are reduced by between 1.5 and 3.8 cents per litre.

Some areas of rural Scotland currently pay up to 10p more than the national average and Mr Lyon wants rural areas of Scotland to benefit from similar reductions.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

“It hasn’t gone unnoticed that petrol prices are creeping up again. While this can be a serious financial burden for families across the country, the anguish is heightened in rural and remote areas.

“In rural Scotland, the public transport alternatives to driving that exist in the central belt are simply not available. This makes driving a necessity, not a luxury.

“France, Portugal and Greece have all implemented fuel derogation for rural areas. I want Scotland’s rural and remote areas to benefit in the same way.”

Jean Davis Liberal Democrat PPC added:

“A few pence may not sound like a lot but it can be the difference between a local business succeeding or failing, or a pensioner being able to afford to heat their home or not.

“Labour and the SNP have sat on their hands while other European countries have rolled up their sleeves and helped rural communities to meet the cost of essential travel.

“Liberal Democrats will continue to push for a fair deal for Scotland’s rural drivers.”

Notes:

In answer to a question submitted to the European Commission, Mr Lyon discovered the following:

France was authorised to place a reduce rate of tax on unleaded fuel in Corsica. This resulted in a one cent per litre reduction in fuel cost.

Portugal was granted a similar dispensation for Madeira and the Azores resulting in a 1.5 and 3.8 cent reduction respectively.

Greece was granted fuel derogation for some of its islands leading to a 2.2 cent reduction in fuel price.

As of the 22nd January 2010, average fuel prices in Scotland are as follows:

Glasgow – Unleaded 110.6ppl, Diesel 112.4ppl
Edinburgh – 109.4ppl, 111.1ppl