YOUR LETTERS

RE: FUEL PRICES - THE GREAT PUBLIC RIP-OFF

HASN'T anyone noticed that the price of Brent Crude oil has dropped from its high of over $145 per barrel in July to around $100 per barrel. So, the current price is the same as at late January 2008. Are the prices we pay at the pump reflective of this - NO!

The petrol prices quickly rose in line with the price when the cost of oil was soaring, it seems the petrol companies are laughing all the way to the bank.

Airlines are no different, they still charge “fuel surcharge”, raising the cost of a package holiday by £60. This was brought in when prices were at their highest, are they being reduced or removed - NO! This will only further hurt the already disastrous season for many Majorcan business people. If you add their “Ticket on departure” fee of up to £60 (for holidays booked less than 6 weeks ahead) and a “Security” tax and “departure tax”, the price of the flight is almost coincidental. Add all this to the pound being almost 20% reduced in value over 12 months, is it any wonder that UK people are staying at home?

Dr Mark Masters
Andratx

Dear Sir,

I have just returned from Magalluf, where I own an apartment. I was very pleased to see that ashtrays were being handed out on the beach.
As a smoker myself I have always placed my cigarette ends in the bin. My only disappointment was that the person handing them out only walked along the waters edge, not onto the beach where I observed many people smoking.

Also I noticed that you had to ask him for one, rather than him approaching you. I think of Magalluf beach as my own, so like to see it nice and clean. It annoys me so much when people leave their rubbish (empty bottles and cans), there are ample bins about. I actually asked someone if they had forgotten anything, but all I got was a load of verbal.

I am hoping to move to Majorca in the next year, so I would like the job of giving out the ashtrays and getting a sun tan at the same time!

Many Thanks
S Parrish