Fuel costs in Renfrewshire have increased by more than 20 per cent in just four months.
It has led to calls from politicians and charities for more action from the Government.
In March, we published an article on rising fuel costs as the war in Ukraine intensified, and at the time, a litre of unleaded petrol and diesel at the BP garage in Ferguslie was at 159.9 and 169.9 respectively. Those prices have since rocketed, with the forecourt yesterday charging 193.9 (unleaded) and 199.9 (diesel) per litre.
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It’s a similar story at the Gleniffer Road Jet garage, in March prices were at 159.9 and 166.9, yesterday they were 185.9 and 196.9.
The trend continues at Esso on Main Road in Elderslie where prices have risen from 157.9 and 164.9 to 189.9 and 199.9.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused major instability in the global economy, as Russia is the world’s third largest oil producer, and is responsible for around ten per cent of global oil sales.
According to price comparison website Confused.com the highest price for a litre of unleaded in the UK is currently 209.9 and for diesel 217.0. Average UK prices are 191.2 for petrol and 199.1 for diesel.
Paisley-based STAR Project say that the rising cost of fuel is impacting their ability to deliver services to people in need in Renfrewshire. They offer a delivery service for people with disabilities or barriers which prevent them from getting out and fuel expenses are hitting them hard.
Heather Kay, STAR Project manager said: “The third sector is pretty sick of cleaning up the mess that is made by politicians, we are absolutely scunnered from having to absorb so much.”
They’re also finding that some employees, despite being paid the Living Wage, are reporting finding it difficult to get into work because they can’t afford to top up their tanks.
Given the lack of action on the issue by politicians, she says the next step is revolution.
“We will be taking to the streets, and we will be lobbying because people are tired, they’ve just come through an exhausting pandemic and they thought there was a new hope, but it’s not, they’re getting battered down again.
“I don't know if it's because they think people will be apathetic because of what they've just been through. But we are absolutely livid, and we will be taking it to the streets, we will be lobbying the politicians because they're not doing their job.”
West Scotland Labour MSP Neil Bibby also said the government needs to do more to stem the rising cost of fuel.
He said: “These prices are going in the complete wrong direction as families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
“Action is desperately needed from government to ease the burden on working people and it’s disappointing enough hasn’t already been done by either the Tories or the SNP.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for people to get around. It’s too expensive to fill up the tank, the temporary ScotRail timetable means the trains aren’t running at full capacity and bus services are being cut across the country.
“The situation as is is completely unsustainable.”
Crystal Clayton, Project Manager at the Renfrewshire Foodbank said the rising costs are just one more in a long line of issues that hard-up people are trying to deal with as the cost of living crisis intensifies.
She said: “The price of fuel is at an all time high, people are struggling to get to work. If they can’t get to work, they can’t earn and therefore it’s going to plunge them deeper into crisis. The cost of energy is going up, so’s the cost of food. This is just another setback for people.
“People at the foodbank have told us that they’re no longer using their car as a result of the rising costs, and obviously with the kids off school at the moment, it’s really not good.”
Crystal added that she was grateful for the kind donations received at the foodbank and the support they receive throughout Renfrewshire.
To find out more about the foodbank go to https://renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk/
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