RMI Petrol has submitted a list of concerns about the government’s planned pilot of a 5ppl fuel duty rebate for the Scottish islands to the Treasury following feedback from retailers at its regional meeting in Inverness last month.

Delegates at the RMI gathering branded the scheme “a load of nonsense” and “a joke”, questioning how the government would monitor whether retailers are rebating 5ppl to each customer when pump prices are showing such volatility. RMI chairman Brian Madderson has told the government that retailers will only be burdened with more paperwork.

The proposed scheme is awaiting final approval from European Commission finance ministers following an approval in principle in mid September. It is expected to be introduced by the turn of the year.