T&C Petrol Prices Campaign latest
THE T&C’s Petrol Prices Campaign has been given a welcome boost in the corridors of power.
Bedford and Kempston MP Richard Fuller has joined calls for the Office of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of price-fixing by British oil companies.
He cited the T&C’s campaign as a perfect example of where action was needed.
Our Petrol Prices Campaign was launched earlier this year to tackle the higher prices motorists pay for fuel in Bedford Borough compared to other neighbouring towns.
It has attracted widespread support from frustrated T&C readers and from Bedford Borough Council.
Mr Fuller, right, said: “As the T&C campaign has shown over recent months, our local petrol prices are unjustifiably high.
“Although the government has already done a great deal to support the motorist – stopping the 3p August rise, scrapping the January rise, and cutting fuel duty by 1p in 2011 – there is much more more that should be done to challenge the oil companies and their part in keeping petrol prices high.
“The OFT has failed to tackle the oil companies and that’s why I am calling for an OFT investigation – a crucial next step in the T&C’s campaign for fairer fuel prices.”
He is signing a motion initiated by Harlow MP Robert Halford calling for the OFT to investigate. It has been supported by MPs across all parties and is likely to be debated in Parliament in September.
Mr Halford said: “I’m delighted that Richard is campaigning for cheaper petrol and diesel. To be fair to the government, they have now cut fuel duty by 10p, compared with what Labour were planning.
“But it’s essential that we also crack down on the oil companies to make sure they pass on cheaper oil prices at the pumps. That’s why Richard and I are pressing for a full enquiry by the OFT.”
A snap survey of petrol stations locally and further afield at the weekend confirmed the price gap remains in place.
Esso in London Road, Bedford, charges £1.31.9 per litre, compared to £1.28.9 per litre at its A507 garage at Shefford. BP’s station on the A421 at Milton Keynes charges £1.31.9 and the forecourt in the A6 bypass charges £1.33.9.
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Weather for Bedford
Thursday 23 May 2013
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Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
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