Shropshire Star comment: Uncertain times as costs rise

It is a nightmare scenario for all vehicle users, particularly those living in rural Shropshire and Mid Wales. Though an infrastructure exists for public transport, many rely on cars to commute, do the school run, visit doctors and hospitals, pick up the shopping and other associated tasks.

Suddenly, people are being hit by a rise of almost five per cent in one-month alone, following what has been described as a “hellish” 6p per litre rise in price during May – the worst monthly jump for 18 years.

Motorists will have been aghast in recent months as the prices of both petrol and diesel have risen almost daily it seems since 22 April. In total, almost 9p per litre has been added since the beginning of March.

The reasons are down to economics, geopolitics and global commodity prices. A weaker pound with a higher oil cost, plus new US sanctions on Iran – the world’s fifth largest oil producer – has been a recipe for disaster among those who drive regularly.

Higher costs of fuel don’t just lead to more expensive car journeys, of course. The rising price of oil also hits consumers when they pay their energy bills or spend on other items that require energy during production.

Those in the haulage industry will be feeling the pressure more than most and business generally will feel itself being squeezed.

There will be tough decisions for companies to make - should they pass on higher prices to the consumer or try to soak up the difference themselves.

Newspaper headlines and the political landscape continue to be dominated by the ongoing debate over Brexit. However, politicians must be alive to other issues – from the rising cost of fuel, to the state of our railways, our health service and our local authorities.

The pound shows no sign of strengthening with Brexit looming and the rising price of oil and US-Iran stand-off means there is little sign of respite any time soon.

These are sensitive times for our country and its economy. Our representatives in Westminster carry a great responsibility at this most crucial of moments.