Ulster Unionist Enterprise, Trade and Investment Assembly spokesman Leslie Cree MLA, has said that volatile fuel prices are crippling consumers, and that information must be available to justify hikes.
 

“Consumers have the right, and government must bear the responsibility, to ask searching questions about ever increasing fuel costs,” said the politician. 

 

“I join the Consumer Council in demanding greater transparency in the fuel industry, and look forward to the organisation sharing their findings from a recent review with my Party colleagues in the Assembly
 

“Rising oil costs, the weak pound and the reversal of a temporary cut in VAT in January will all contribute to tough times that show no sign of abating.
 

“With petrol prices climbing it is certainly incumbent on the government to put pressure on suppliers to come clean about their costs.
 

 “With the impact fuel costs have for businesses, workers commuting and indeed the freedom of individuals and families to travel to events and attractions across the province in their free time, this is an issue that has wide-ranging implications.

 

“Consumer Council statistics on this issue are shocking – Since January of this year it is on average £10.98 more expensive to fill your car with petrol and £5.64 for diesel.

“We as consumers need to know why prices are continuing to move upwards – what new costs or pressures is the industry facing that is causing these hikes?”