Diesel Prices Surge Past £2 a Litre at Scottish Forecourts

At least 226 petrol stations across Scotland have increased the price of diesel to more than £2 per litre, according to analysis by BBC Scotland News. The affected sites span from the Borders to Shetland, with particularly high prices noted in island and rural areas, including the Hebrides and the Northern Isles.

Impact on Haulage Industry

Hauliers are expressing deep concern over the escalating fuel costs. Norman MacAskill, a haulier based in South Uist, stated that the price to fill a lorry's tank has risen from 32p per litre when he began his career 40 years ago to £2.22 today. "Anyone who is running a lorry is absolutely devastated when they get their fuel bill at the end of the month," MacAskill said. "There's no business on earth that can withstand that increase in costs."

MacAskill's firm, N D MacAskill & Son, which transports livestock across Scotland and into northern England, faces significant financial pressure. He noted that the rising costs have been an ongoing issue for the last decade, leading to the closure of many long-established haulage companies. "When is this going to stop?" he questioned.

Dave Neil, who operates Sinclair Haulage in Orkney, serving the islands of Sanday, Stronsay, and Eday, reported spending an additional £400 per week on diesel compared to the pre-summer period. "It's a challenging situation," Neil commented, adding that he has implemented a surcharge for his customers, which he plans to remove when fuel prices decrease.

Government Response and Industry Calls

Motoring organizations have acknowledged the rising prices. The AA reported that its advocacy efforts contributed to the UK government establishing pump-price transparency measures, including websites and apps that allow drivers to compare fuel prices. The AA also urged the government not to scrap the 5p fuel duty cut introduced in March 2022 and suggested further relief for diesel could be warranted.

"While many big businesses pass the extra cost of diesel onto their customers, often via a sliding scale of fuel surcharges, smaller businesses don't automatically," the AA stated. This includes professions such as taxi drivers, craftspeople, and those providing domestic repairs or veterinary services.

The UK government has extended the temporary fuel duty cut until December 31. A government spokesperson indicated that this measure, along with the extension of the 5p cut, makes diesel 11p per litre cheaper than it would have been under previous government plans. This initiative aims to shield individuals and businesses from the ongoing crisis. The RAC has forecast that the average UK diesel price is expected to reach a new record high over the weekend.