asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that petrol companies charge a higher rate for petrol in the southern counties than in Dublin, and, if so, if he will investigate the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Petrol Prices.
The differential of 1d. per gallon between the price of petrol in the Dublin zone and in other areas is in accordance with a long-standing trade custom and is based on the fact that distribution costs in the Dublin zone are lower than in other parts of the country. The matter is at present under consideration.
Is it correct to say that supplies of petrol to the South coming in through the Shannon would work out to a large extent at a much lesser cost than by the present method of transporting it to the South? Is it correct to state, as I have been informed in the past, that, due to a certain amount of industrial alcohol being used as an admixture in Dublin, the petrol here is maintained at a lower price than that in the South?
I explained to the Deputy that the matter is under consideration. Undoubtedly his second point will also be taken into consideration.