Banks's beer up 8p a pint; BUSINESS: Company blames rising fuel costs.

Byline: By Steve Johnson 

THE price of a pint of Banks's beer is to increase by up to 8p - double the rate of inflation.

Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, which supplies its ales to pubs throughout the West Midlands and other regions up and down the country, confirmed its bitter, original, Marston's Pedigree and other brands wil rise by 3.9 per cent from February 5.

The giant company today blamed huge rises in the price of gas, electricity and petrol which have increased the cost of producing and delivering its beers.

Peter Jackson, marketing director of W & DB Brands, said: "Increases in the energy supply market this year have been over 20 per cent.

"But efficiency in our breweries has allowed us to keep increases to aminimum. Our commitment to using the best-quality ingredients will not be compromised and we shall ensure our drinkers get the best quality ales all the time."

However the hefty price rise was atatcked by members of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Wolverhampton city councillor Bob Jones, national campaign and strategy director for CAMRA, said profits at Banks's, as the brewing giant is known, had seen healthy growth in recent years and he was sorry the company felt it needed to impose such a substantial price rise.

"Profit figures revealed at its annual shareholders meeting were certainly impressive. The price rise is above the inflation rate and it is a pity that price increases have not been kept to a more reasonable level," he added.