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The Scottish National Party (SNP) has continued its avalanche of criticism against the government over the high price of diesel in the UK.

The SNP has highlighted that not only does diesel cost more in the UK than anywhere else in Europe, but also that parts of Scotland are being particularly savagely hit.

Angus McNeil, SNP Westminster transport spokesman and Western Isles MP, says that on the island of Barra, diesel costs £1.20 a litre, with  Inverness at £1.09. This compares with the latest average UK pump price of £1.06.9p, according to Department of Energy figures.

McNeil adds that 66% of the cost of diesel in the UK is due to taxation, which is more than in any other European nation.

He says: "Key sectors such as the haulage industry are reeling from forecourt costs, and Alistair Darling must use his Pre-Budget report next month to bring down the cost of fuel.

"A strong haulage industry is a vital part of our economy. The fact is that soaring fuel prices are actually hindering economic recovery."

According to the SNP, the UK is the most expensive country in Europe in which to buy diesel. The second most expensive is Slovakia (97.4p per litre), while the other big European economies such as Germany (94p per litre), France (89.2p per litre) and Italy (96.1p per litre), all have a price advantage of between 10p-20p on every litre they use.

According to figures supplied to the Freight  Transport Association by John Hall Associates, the average bulk diesel price has risen steadily this year from 82.68ppl on 15 January to 90.84ppl on 30 October.