A PRICE war on garage forecourts would be to the detriment of the whole island and not just the motoring industry, according to its spokesman. Dave Beausire, the president of the Guernsey Motor Trades Association and owner of Le Mont Saint Garage, said any short-term benefit enjoyed by the customer would soon be wiped out by the long-term cost.

‘This is not just about fuel. It’s the bigger picture that I’m concerned with,’ said Mr Beausire.

‘If you have price cutting now that local businesses are totally unable to cope with, then we will end up with a monopoly situation. The prices will rise again and there will be no choice.

‘The question for islanders is, do they want monopolies or do they want to see the local businesses continue? If they want local businesses, then they will have to support them.’

He believes consumer-led prices are a short-term initiative to attract customers and while some people might think it was a good thing, it would mean the end of the traditional Guernsey business.

‘We have already seen this scenario with Best Foods and St Davids and that is to name just a couple.

‘We are told by Guernsey people that we provide the service they require, so we hope that remains the case.’

He said that if Le Mont Saint tried to match the prices being set by Safeway at the airport forecourt, he would have to get rid of a whole range of services his customers expected.

‘I’m reliant on my customers supporting me. The Guernsey people will have to vote with their feet if they want to support local businesses – or do they want to support a monopoly?’