A Fife Labour MP has written to Chancellor George Osborne calling on him to introduce a fuel duty regulator as a matter of urgency.
As prices at the pumps soar to new heights and with a further duty increase due in April, Glenrothes MP Lindsay Roy urged Mr Osborne to act now.
“Rising petrol and diesel prices affect every aspect of life and hit everyone in the constituency in the pocket one way or another,” he said.
“I appreciate that the government has no control over crude oil prices, but it is not right that they should be raking in millions more in taxation when prices rise and the introduction of a fuel duty regulator is a must.”
Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has said the government is looking into a “fair fuel stabiliser” but admitted it was a complicated idea and it was difficult to see how it could be achieved.
Mr Roy added, “It may be complicated but it shouldn’t be beyond the capabilities of the tax authorities to work something out.”
The MP praised The Courier’s petition.
“I warmly welcome this initiative and congratulate The Courier in taking such an important stand,” he said, saying it is “vital” to protect motorists from fuel prices, and the effect of inflation on family budgets.
He added, “I am sure that everyone in Fife and Tayside will support the campaign it certainly has my full support.”