RAC responds to proposed EC approval of new rural fuel tax cut

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “This announcement is a landmark moment for mainland rural communities which are the last to benefit from the record low fuel prices now widespread across much of the UK. Filling stations provide a crucial public service in more remote areas, and the plans to widen the Rural Fuel Rebate Scheme will help reduce prices closer to those enjoyed in other parts of the UK.

“People living and working in rural communities by their nature rely most heavily on their vehicle, so it’s right that they should not have to pay significantly more for fuel. At the same time, we would caution that rural motorists will probably never see fuel cost parity with urban areas. This is due to higher delivery costs and the fact that motorists in towns and cities tend to benefit from intense competition between supermarket and larger independent fuel retailers, who sell greater volumes.

“We now look to the other European member states to rapidly approve the scheme so that motorists can benefit from cheaper fuel without delay.”