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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Liam Smillie

West Lothian Petrol Station reduce fuel prices after community backlash as fuel prices soar internationally

A Shell Garage at Fairfield in Broxburn has reduced their prices for fuel after massive backlash from the community.

Just yesterday local motorists were outraged after seeing the price for diesel - which cost just 179.9p per litre at the start of the week - shot up to 199.9p per litre on Wednesday.

The price of petrol shot up also, valued at 176.9p per litre at the Shell station in Broxburn on March 9.

For reference, just one year ago the price per litre of petrol and diesel was 124.32p and 127.25p respectively.

The fear over raised fuel prices has now become realised, as local garages adjust their prices amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Almost immediately customers were outraged - with many accusing the company of ‘profiteering’ - one outraged motorist even called on locals to boycott the petrol station.

Jay Thomson said: “We should all boycott this garage at the start of Broxburn.

“He continually raises the prices 20-30p a litre more than most other petrol stations, especially for diesel.

“If we keep going there, he will only continue to raise the price. I know it's convenient, but he will soon learn if the trade slows.”

Locals claimed to be able to find fuel up to 33p cheaper per litre at nearby petrol stations in Queensferry and Dedridge.

As of Thursday, March 10 - one day after the price hike in Broxburn, prices have again been lowered.

Petrol cost 166.9p per litre on March 10 as opposed to 176.9p on March 9 - a 13p reduction.

Diesel cost 188.9p per litre on Thursday as opposed to 199.9p per litre on Wednesday - 11p cheaper.

Edinburgh Live reported on furious motorists at the Broxburn petrol station on March 9, with reports of people shouting: "It's a disgrace how much you're charging, there's a war on and you've put prices up almost 20p."

Another could be heard saying: "You're taking advantage of people, if that's your manager on the phone then I want to speak to them. It's a shambles here and a rip-off."

The fear over raised fuel prices has now become realised, as local garages adjust their prices amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

After a reporter contacted Shell directly, they noted that although the garage in question is branded as Shell - the company does not own or set the prices at this station.

A spokesperson added: "Shell is only able to control prices at the sites we own; of our UK network around one half is owned by independent dealers, who set their own prices.

“Shell is prevented by law from telling dealer groups what to charge their customers for fuel. Our company-owned sites are priced in line with the market."

The war in Ukraine has had a massive impact on crude oil prices, and these are set to soar further as the crisis continues.

Just a day prior to the hike in prices at the Broxburn petrol station, Shell was forced to apologise publicly for buying Russian crude oil at a hugely discounted price over the first weekend of March amidst worldwide sanctions.

Since then the fuel-giant has shut all service stations in Russia, discontinuing all ongoing work in the country at over 500 stations.

The average price of petrol across the UK has jumped by more than 4p in a week topping £1.55 for the first time ever, which means a gallon costs over £7.

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