Fuel Prices

Claire Perry Excerpts

Thursday 13th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire)]

rose—

[Claire Perry (Devizes)]

rose—

[Robert Halfon]

I shall give way to both my hon. Friends in a moment.

In July 2011, oil prices fell by 5%, but petrol prices were unchanged. Then, in March this year, oil prices fell again by 5%, but petrol prices rose by 10%. Why? I shall now give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Nadine Dorries).

--- Later in debate ---

[Robert Halfon]

My hon. Friend is right, and I shall make the point in my concluding remarks that this issue is not just about economics. Although the economics of it is important, I have sought a debate on this subject because I believe it is about social justice, too, as high petrol prices are hurting the poorest far more than the rich.

[Claire Perry]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way again. May I point out that in rural constituencies such as mine the situation is particularly difficult because there is not sufficient competition among petrol stations to drive prices down, and we are very dependent on our cars as we do not have public transport options?

[Robert Halfon]

My hon. Friend hits the nail on the head. She is absolutely right, and that is why we need an Office of Fair Trading inquiry.