THERE have been calls for an independent ‘PumpWatch’ to be set up to make sure drivers are not being overcharged for their fuel, a move that would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms in Fermanagh.
As confirmed several times by the Herald, our neighbours on all sides – from Cavan to Donegal and Tyrone – pay less for their petrol and diesel than Fermanagh motorists. It is not just a matter of the north/south petrol price divide, even the pumps in Omagh are considerab y cheaper than in Fermanagh. Now, with pump prices failing to fall at the same rate as plummeting oil prices across the board in general, Fair Fuel UK have called for a ‘PumpWatch’ price monitoring body to ensure retailers give all drivers the same value for their fuel.
For example, oil prices dropped by five percent at the beginning of this week, bringing it to the same price it was at the beginning of April. However, Fair Fuel UK has pointed out petrol prices were an average 6.5p higher yesterday (Tuesday) than they were on April 5th, even though oil prices were the same on both dates. Diesel was at double the price than in April, at 4.2p per litre.
PumpWatch, which Fair Fuel UK are already drawing up plans with after governmental meetings, would involve a code for fuel retailers to provide more transparency to consumers in relation to wholesale fuel prices and the prices they are charging at the pumps.
A pump price survey by the Herald last year of stations right across Fermanagh showed almost every retail supplier in the county had the very same price per litre for both petrol and diesel. This price was higher not just than those across the border, but it was also higher than prices being offered in Omagh, where prices varied.
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