Margaret Ritchie To Lead Fuel Debate

SDLP’s Margaret Ritchie is to lead a debate at Westminster on the cost of fuel in Northern Ireland.

This debate follows the news that Northern Ireland faced the highest fuel prices in Europe. According to a report by the Consumer Council NI consumers faced the highest cost for petrol, diesel or both across the UK and the Republic of Ireland during every month in 2011.

Ms Ritchie, who wants the Office of Fair Trading to launch an investigation said: "Government must do more to help those in need."

The UK Parliamentary debate taking place today will look at the cost of fuel duties in the North.

Ms Ritchie said: "When you combine spiralling 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.”

Meanwhile DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has said that pressure on the Government to act in relation to fuel prices must be maintained.

He said: "There must be a greater understanding of Northern Ireland’s reliance on road transport, both for personal movement and for freight. That means we in the Province are more affected than other regions of the UK.

"It is welcome that there will be a further opportunity to debate fuel prices again tomorrow, as this is an issue which is of huge importance and pressure must be maintained upon the Government for real and meaningful action."