WITHDRAWAL OF HIGHLAND FUEL SERVICE LEADS TO AN EFFECTIVE SERVICE MONOPOLY.

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan has hit out at the price inflation of heating oil in Uist.

A recent quote by Scottish Fuels was 30% higher for the islands than on the mainland. 500 litres of kerosene heating oil was priced at 53p per litre in South Uist and 40.35p per litre in Stirling.

Until recently, residents of HS6-HS8 had a choice of fuel providers, including Highland Fuels, and this market competition helped to keep fuel prices from over-inflation. But now, it appears that Inverness-based Highland Fuels has withdrawn island service.

Alasdair Allan MSP has written to the Director of Highland Fuels to ask why they do not continue to deliver to the islands.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“An effective monopoly of fuel provision locally by any single company is never a good situation for consumers.

“The islands have one of the worst rates of fuel poverty in the UK. This situation is further compounded by a cost of living that is higher than any other remote rural area on mainland Scotland and the UK.

“This is a serious issue which contributes to household poverty and increased burden on public services.”