'It's not just petrol'

MOTORISTS reacted angrily yesterday to claims they were being ripped off by petrol retailers. Many vowed to shop around after an independent report said filling stations were overcharging by up to 30%.

Although that was disputed by garages - which claimed the figures had been manipulated - most people still thought fuel was too expensive.

'I do check petrol prices,' said Philip Hargreaves, a self-employed general builder.

'I check them for the difference because I'm all over the island with work.

'I think there's some garages that charge less than others, but if people need to use it, then they can charge what they want.'

The 29-year-old also thought transport costs should be reviewed.

'The States need to look at flying off the island.

'It costs a fortune, especially if there's a family or someone is ill.'

George Rault, 74, agreed.

'I'm an OAP and I think prices should come down,' he said.

'High prices are why a lot of people are going off the island - we've had the decent days.'

Mr Rault is a regular at Maryland Service Station.

'I've been coming here for a long time. I like the service and the men are very good - they do everything you ask them to.'

He said groceries were too expensive and needed to be looked at.

Dr Bruce Mackay, left, did not know whom to believe. Yesterday, petrol stations rubbished reports they were making 18p per litre on fuel, compared with 7p in Jersey and 5p in the UK.

'I don't know where the truth lies,' said the 61-year-old.

'I think it's a storm in a teacup. I think this will still be here next year and the year after. I don't know what to believe about the statistics.'

Steph Seiffert has noticed petrol prices steadily rising.

'I wasn't very happy when they did, but then it's not up to us,' said the 25-year-old air stewardess.

'I usually try to keep an eye out and go to the other side of the island where it is cheaper.

'Guernsey is quite a pricey place for food, especially vegetables.'

Gardener Carl Burnard, 23, said: 'It's a rip-off, but I just buy it wherever I can.

'I think beer and fags are too expensive.'

Housewife Bridget Carey, 69, had not been aware of a difference in price, but thought it was something that needed to be looked at.

Stuart Batiste said he didn't tend to check the price.

'I just put it in,' said the 27-year old painter and decorator.

'It only costs me about £10 to fill up my motorbike, so it doesn't make a big difference to me.

'The cost of getting off the island is quite expensive - I rarely go by boat, it's more by plane.'

Architectural technician Jo Poole, right, said she had not noticed a difference in pump prices.

'I think petrol prices are going up all the time anyway,' said the 21-year-old.

Leigh Khankashi thought spending £20,000 on the report had been a waste of money.

'There should be more for kids,' she said.

'There's a lot of wealth here and they could spend it on something like a water park for kids.'