Fuel costs now a burning issue

Oct 24 2008 by Cheryl McEvoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

FUEL costs have soared by 50 per cent at Prestwick Airport.

And bargain airline Ryanair say they’re to report the company behind the massive hike to the Office of Fair Trading.

Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe has demanded an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, after Air BP announced the huge rise.

He insists that the company is greedy and putting jobs at risk.

He said: “At a time when the price of a barrel of oil has been dropping fast, I do not see how such an increase can possibly be justified.”

Ryanair describe the increase as unjustified and accused Air BP of abusing their monopoly at the airport.

Mr Donohoe added: “I am totally behind Ryanair in this matter, but my concerns go even wider.

“I have already been contacted by constituents who are very concerned about the knock-on effects of such an enormous price rise on jobs at the airport, and who are disgusted by what they see as blatant greed by the fuel company.

“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with the aviation minister on this matter, since I believe it is of the utmost importance to resolve it quickly before it impacts on the air passenger sector.”

An airport spokesman added: “We are aware of this issue and are having discussions with both parties in an effort to better understand the situation.

“There are further meetings planned.”