A Cardross shop owner will no longer stock the in-demand Prime energy drink due to backlash over pricing.

Adil Saleem, who runs Cardross Lennox Newsagent, received a stock of the drink in American flavours last week, which then went on sale for £10.99 per bottle.

The price prompted criticism from members of the public, despite Adil explaining he was charging the cheapest price he could based on the cost of importing the product.

The bottles contained strawberry watermelon and grape flavours which are currently only available from America and are more expensive to buy in than the flavours available in the UK, which have previously been sold in the same shop for £7.

Adil decided to order the American stock when he noticed local retailers were selling these hard-to-find flavours for prices of between £15 and £18.

A number of online stores are also retailing the bottles at a price of £17.99.

He said: “The reason I got it in is because of the demand and the prices other people are charging - they’re charging ridiculous prices.

“I thought I would get it in and be fair with it. I got it in, and I am charging the cheapest price I can so people are not getting ripped off.

“People have got in mind you must make a lot of money from it, which you don’t if you’re being fair.

“That’s why I’m a wee bit cross, because you’re not making much and people are not understanding.

"A lot of people know it’s a great price but there are some people that don’t understand the price.

“I don’t think I’ll get it in again. To be honest, I don’t think it's worth the backlash.”

Adil took the shop on in October last year, after it was run by the Ali and Nasim families for 25 years.

Prior to this, Adil’s father, known locally as Saleem, ran the store until his passing.

When he arrived at the store, Adil told the Reporter that he has many dear memories in the village from his childhood.

He’s now reminding customers that he has returned to Cardross to provide for the community.

He added: “I am just trying to provide a fair service and everything at a fair price. Some items in the shop are even below the RRP.

“I have been helping the community as much as I can.

“For example, there’s a handrail outside that customers asked for. I’m doing as much as I can.”