Channel Islands fuel prices set to rise again

Channel Islands fuel prices are expected to climb again, with Rubis saying rises in global fuel market prices are starting to pass through to the local market.

The move is likely to push diesel above £2 per litre.

Nick Crolla, head of marketing for Channel Islands supplier Rubis, said: "We have seen global fuel market prices increase by nearly 30% since the end of August. These increases are now beginning to filter through to the local market and will be reflected at forecourts over coming weeks."

He added: "While these factors are outside our control, we are doing everything possible to keep prices as low as possible."

With the war still ongoing in the Middle East, fuel prices have risen across the UK, with diesel reaching an all-time high, according to the RAC motoring organisation.

Rubis said its priority remains making sure the Channel Islands continue to have secure fuel supplies while global fuel supply chains remain under significant pressure.

In Guernsey, Dave Beausire, chairman of Le Mont Saint Garage, said wholesale fuel prices had risen over the past 12 months by 30p a litre for unleaded petrol and 42p a litre for diesel.

Also in Guernsey, Mike Lucas, manager of Vale Garage, said: "We have recently seen more price increases, so I was expecting it.

"I think the States need to look at fuel duty, otherwise it's going to have a knock-on effect for everyone."

Although more electric vehicles are now operating in Guernsey, many companies and individuals still use petrol and diesel vehicles, including staff and volunteers for the Guernsey Voluntary Service (GVS).

Its meals on wheels and social clubs depend on volunteers and their vehicles.

GVS service manager Mandy Le Bachelet said: "It's not ideal, but it's important that our priority is our clients and nothing is going to stop us delivering those services.

"We'll absorb the cost and continue how we operate. We have had to do this when prices have risen previously."