Energy Minister Fergus Ewing claims projections depend on changes to the oil industry fiscal regime.
Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing has urged businesses to sign up to a declaration to ensure people in rural areas are not paying high delivery costs.
The Highland MSP said people across the north and north-east should not be faced with disproportionate costs for shopping online.
Mr Ewing wants firms to sign up to the Statement of Principles for Parcel Deliveries, developed by the Parcel Delivery Working Group which was established by Consumer Futures and the Scottish Government.
The guidelines, agreed by industry, government, trading standards and consumer groups, call on businesses to avoid charging disproportionate delivery costs, provide greater transparency and provide the widest possible delivery coverage.
Mr Ewing said: “At this time of year shoppers are already starting to think about ordering online and getting in early with Christmas shopping.
“Unfortunately we’re still finding that many customers in Scotland’s Highlands and islands are faced with disproportionate costs when it comes to the delivery of their online purchases.
“Retailers should take on board our Statement of Principles, and in turn customers will receive a better service.”
Move to protect north from soaring delivery charges
