Motion to cap Cardiff fuel prices fails

A motion partly tabled by Plaid Cymru which criticised petrol prices in Wales and claimed they were as a result of the Government's policy on fuel costs was overwhelmingly rejected last night.

Labour abstained from the vote in the House of Commons, while Conservatives and Liberal Democrats voted with a majority of 289 against the motion tabled by Plaid Cymru and the Scottish Nationalist Party.

Plaid Cymru’s treasury and transport spokesperson Jonathan Edwards MP said: “We desperately need action to tackle soaring fuel prices – but the Conservatives have shown they are happy to ditch a manifesto pledge by dropping their commitment to a fuel stabiliser.

“There seems to be an evolving trend too where the UK Government is placing responsibility on the devolved Governments without transferring powers – knowing full well that Wales is already badly underfunded.”

The house chaired an amendment to the motion which drew attention to the role of the previous government in bringing about current fuel prices, which are at a all time high.

The Government’s amendment, which was passed 297 to 135, stated a fuel duty stabiliser was under consideration.

But it is unclear whether such a proposal will be brought in ahead of the planned fuel duty rise, due to start in April.

Mr Edwards said: “Businesses and families in many parts of Wales where a car is a necessity not a luxury are those who are facing the pain.

“For the short term we need to have a fuel duty stabiliser and a special price for fuel in rural areas, but we also need to diversify and invest in renewable energy alternatives to reduce our reliance upon oil and other fossil fuels.”

Recent figures from the Automobile Association showed Wales as having some of the highest fuel prices in the UK, while a petrol station in Radyr was named as one of the most expensive places to buy fuel in Britain.