DRIVERS in Fermanagh have raised questions as to why diesel and petrol prices in the county can sit up to 10p per litre above fuel prices in other parts of the North. For ordinary motorists that can add up to £6-£7 a fill.
Over the past months the Herald has reported on fuel price differences in Fermanagh compared to our neighbours across the border in Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan, but the price gap also extends to Tyrone with garages in Omagh frequently undercutting Fermanagh based fuel suppliers.
This week a random sample of garages surveyed in Fermanagh showed a variation of up to 8ppl for diesel with the highest price observed 134.9ppl and the lowest 126.9ppl. Meanwhile in Omagh diesel was as much as 2ppl cheaper in places, sitting at 124.6ppl. Petrol prices were also higher in Fermanagh over the last week.
With constant daily fluctuations fuel prices across the North are subject to change, but the question remains as to why drivers here are in general paying more per fill?
Trevor, an Enniskillen sales rep, claims he will not buy his fuel in his home county. “As a result of working in sales I travel province wide and I would never buy petrol in Fermanagh because I find the price absolutely ridiculous.
“Circle K have the four main petrol stations into Enniskillen covered, that is at Trory, Sligo Road, Dublin Road and Lough Shore Road. It would seem that the price set seems to be followed suit by others.
“I feel Fermanagh folk are being ripped off and I have had it. I average buying my petrol anywhere that is cheaper, the last time I got a fill it was in Coleraine, and the fuel was 10ppl cheaper there.”
In the past it has been argued that haulage costs must be factored in and that this can have an impact on the price charged at the pumps here.
Earlier this month Fair Fuel UK issued calls for an independent ‘Pump Watch’ scheme to be set up. The scheme’s aim would be to ensure drivers were not overcharged for fuel. Herald readers reacted by saying that there should be no difference in fuel cost here to that in Lisburn or Craigavon.
Circle K, operators of service stations on four of the main routes into the town were contacted for comment but at the time of print a response had not been received.
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