Margaret Ritchie of the SDLP
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has supported calls for an Office of Fair Trading investigation into the transparent pricing of fuel in Northern Ireland and secured a Westminster Hall debate on the topic this week.
The UK Parliamentary debate, which takes place on Wednesday, will look at the cost of fuel duties in the North, which have rocketed in recent years.
Ms Ritchie said: “In December 2011 and January 2012, customers in Northern Ireland paid the highest price for diesel in the whole of Europe and we consistently pay higher prices for petrol and diesel than any other region in the UK and Ireland.
“When you combine spiraling fuel costs with the higher cost of car insurance in NI – a region which has an average income well below the national average – you see a staggering inequality which cannot continue.
“When both motorists’ groups and petrol retailers are coming together to speak with one voice and ask the OFT to investigate how fuel pricing here is operating, we know this is a problem worth tackling.
“On Wednesday afternoon the Westminster Hall debate which I have secured will ask the probing questions which need to be asked to help chart the course to a fairer deal for Northern Ireland’s fuel users and seeking an item in the next budget which militates against excessive fuel duties.”
