asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when a reduction in the price of bottled gas last took place; if he will agree that, in view of the falling prices of oil over the last year, a reduction in price is somewhat overdue; and the reason the price of this fuel has not been reduced in line with other fuels.
Written Answers. - Bottled Gas Prices.
51.
Limerick East): There has been no reduction in the price of bottled gas in recent years. The degree to which consumer prices can speedily reflect the impact of favourable trends in material costs or favourable currency movements varies with the established purchasing arrangements of importers. Some importers are committed to purchasing arrangements involving forward purchases of materials under fixed price contracts. Such factors would delay the implementation of price reductions for particular products. I would expect that the price to the consumer of bottled gas will reflect favourable cost and currency trends in the near future.