CONSERVATIVE MEP Vicky Ford has today welcomed the launch of a major investigation into manipulation of the oil and petrol market.

Working in co-operation with Harlow MP Robert Halfon, Mrs. Ford has tabled a series of parliamentary questions in Brussels urging the European Commission to probe serious allegations of price-manipulation levelled against major oil companies.

Yesterday the Commission announced a wide-ranging investigation as officials raided the offices of leading firms including Shell and BP.

Mrs. Ford, MEP for the East of England and Conservative spokesman on industry, research and energy, said: “We have been working together to give the Commission a serious push on this issue.

“I persistently questioned them and urged them to sit up and take notice of this important issue. It is very pleasing that now they have.

“Sometimes when you ask questions of the EU you feel as though they disappear into a black hole, but it looks as though this time the right people have listened.

“I hope the investigation now underway will be as thorough and wide-reaching as it needs to be to root out any malpractice and reassure consumers that in future they will not be cheated.

“Motorists need be in the driving seat - not taken for a ride.”