Consultation plea on fuel prices

The cost of fuel for a return trip to Liverpool can reach £15,000

The Steam Packet Company's increase in fuel surcharges needs to be discussed in public, a pressure group has said.

The Isle of Man company announced last week that the passengers' fuel surcharge would rise from £2.50 to £5 per single journey from 1 September.

The freight fuel surcharge will also increase by £6 per metre to £8 per metre per length of vehicle.

TravelWatch believes the surcharge is not the best way of dealing with high fuel prices.

The company has said the cost of fuel for a return trip from the island to Liverpool can be as much as £15,000.

Travelwatch spokesman Dick Clague said: "We are certainly looking at the chance of debating it with them and with the Department of Transport."