People living in the Three Towns are paying some of the highest fuel prices in Ayrshire.

A shock survey by the Herald over a three day period last month found charges up to 14 pence per litre dearer, compared to Irvine, Cumnock and Ayr.

In several cases different prices were being charged in different towns by the same supplier.

For example, Esso in Glasgow Street, Ardrossan was charging 159.9 pence for a litre of diesel and 147.9 for petrol.

However on their forecourt in Kilwinning Road, Irvine, the same diesel was 156.9p and petrol 144.9.

While at Esso in Hillfoot Road, Ayr, diesel was 152.9p and petrol 142.9p, and at their service station in nearby Loans, the prices were 152.9p and 141.9p respectively.

One reader who contacted the Herald to raise his concerns said: "People are really struggling here right now. Why should it be so much dearer for petrol in the Three Towns?"

The Herald surveyed eight service stations across Ayrshire between April 26 and April 28.

We found the Jet in Parkhouse Road, Ardrossan charging 159.9p for a litre of diesel and 146.9p for petrol.

While the their outlet in Glencairn Street, Stevenston, the cost was 156p and 145p.

However at Jet in Main Street, Cumnock, diesel was 145.9p and petrol 144.9.

And their service station in Ayr Road, Irvine was charging 149.9p and 144.9p, respectively.

Overall diesel and petrol prices in the three towns were higher than the national average of 146.5p and 159.6p.

One exception was BP in Saltcoats, where diesel 149.9 per litre.

However unleaded was more than two pence the national average at 148.9p.

Esso said they did not own the stations in Ayrshire which carried their branding and only supplied them with the fuel.

A spokesperson added: "It is up to the owners of each site to set their own prices.

"If we owned the outlets there would not be the same discrepancies."