OFT investigation

Northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed news that an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) investigation into the western isles fuel market has been extended to Shetland.

In January the OFT launched their probe because of suspicions that wholesale fuel distributors were abusing their market position by impeding other distributors from competing in the market.

The investigation has now been extended to cover Shetland where GB Oils is currently the only wholesale fuel distributor.

The investigation is expected to be concluded in the summer.

Carmichael said: “An investigation into the fuel market in the islands is a welcome sign that the OFT may be finally facing up to reality.

 “I have been disappointed by the OFT in the past as they have never properly looked at the wholesale market in the Isles.

“It is now vital that they carry out an extremely thorough review of the situation in Shetland and get to the bottom of this issue.

“This is work that could have been undertaken years ago. I hope that it will now be done thoroughly and professionally but also as quickly as is possible.”