Our fight for fairer fuel moved to Holyrood as the entire Scottish Cabinet signed our petition bringing the tally to more than 3000.
First Minister Alex Salmond was the first signature among 27 MSPs who backed the call for a fuel duty regulator to restore balance to petrol prices.
The campaign was even raised in the debating chamber, with Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick praising our efforts and attacking the Labour Party for not signing the petition.
Questioning finance secretary John Swinney, he said the campaign had won widespread support.
“I’m told the completion of this form brings the tally of signatures to over 3000,” he said.
Mr FitzPatrick added, “Given the popularity of this campaign with readers across Scotland and the concern that constituents have about the high fuel prices, is the cabinet secretary surprised that Iain Gray, the leader of the Labour group in this parliament, has failed to support The Courier campaign?”
Mr Gray has called for action on petrol prices, but the Labour Party does not support the concept of a fuel duty regulator.
Mr Swinney, the MSP for North Tayside, responded by reiterating his backing for the move.Delighted”I am certainly aware of The Courier campaign I read about it in my morning paper and have been delighted to support it,” he said. “I think it represents a very welcome intervention to encourage a change of heart in the United Kingdom Government.
“I am surprised to hear that the leader of the Labour Party hasn’t been prepared to sign it. There are many hard pressed businesses and families that I am sure would appreciate his support for the efforts of The Courier newspaper.”
Other high profile politicians to sign the petition included health secretary Nicola Sturgeon, education secretary Michael Russell and justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Speaking outside the chamber, Dundee East MSP Shona Robison, who also signed the petition, said, “It is fantastic to be able to support The Courier campaign for fairer fuel.
“It is a real issue for every household budget and every single business in Dundee. It is an issue that is brought up to me all the time.
“It is something the UK Government has the ability to do something about and it is clearly now time that action was taken.”
Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick added, “It is a great cause to support and one I have supported for a long time.”
The Conservatives had unveiled plans to for a fuel duty stabiliser before last year’s general election but have yet to bring in the proposals.If you want to support the Courier’s call for a fuel duty regulator, click here to add your name to our petition.Photo Dave Wardle.