Fuel prices remain high despite cuts in excise duty.
Consumers are being encouraged to report “cartel behaviour or abuse of dominance” by businesses with regards to rising fuel prices.
Robert Troy, the Minister of State with responsibility for Consumer Protection made the comments on Thursday morning (10 March).
“Global events continue to have an increasing impact on everyday life, and the rising energy and fuel prices as a result of war are adding huge pressures on people in every part of the country,” Troy said.
“I have conferred with my officials, who are working with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), to ensure consumers are aware of their rights and businesses are aware of their obligations in this regard.
“If any consumer has evidence of cartel behaviour or abuse of dominance with regards to high fuel costs, they should contact the CCPC who can investigate.”
Troy went on to say that the full scope of the challenges ahead have yet to be seen.
“These are still early days, the full economic risks and challenges may not yet be fully realised.
“Government continues to work through the consequences of these events and what they will mean for Ireland, and offer support where it is possible,” he concluded.
Labour TD Ged Nash said that there was a “special place in hell” for businesses that hiked fuel prices in response to cuts on excise duty.
The Dáil was told by @geraldnash last night that there is a “special place in hell” for individuals or companies who deliberately raised the price of petrol and diesel in response to government cuts on excise duty ⛽ pic.twitter.com/aHS4YZLoc1
— JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) March 10, 2022
“This is profiteering at its worst, it’s deeply cynical,” Nash said.
“And really, there is a special place in hell for individuals or companies that set out to profit as a consequence of war, and we need to be mindful of that.”
Circle K Ireland “categorically” denied that a recent increase in its prices of diesel and petrol was related to the recent cuts.
“Our pricing is set in line with local and international market movements and wholesale market costs,” the chain said.
“This was the case today and the same process is adhered to anytime there are price changes.”
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