asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the price of petrol in Cork is one penny per gallon dearer than the price in Dublin and district; and if, having regard to the proximity of the Whitegate oil refinery to Cork, he will set up a Prices Advisory Committee to enquire into this disparity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Petrol in Cork.
15.
Statutory control is not exercised over the price of petrol and it would be outside the functions of a Prices Advisory Committee appointed under the Prices Act, 1958, to undertake an inquiry into the retail prices of this commodity as suggested by the Deputy. I understand, however, that the petroleum companies are now giving active consideration to the question of a revision of petrol prices consequential on the establishment of the refinery at Whitegate.
I could not hear the Minister. I am sorry. Would he give the answer again?
I think the Deputy himself contributed to the repercussions. The answer was as follows:—
Statutory control is not exercised over the price of petrol and it would be outside the functions of a Prices Advisory Committee appointed under the Prices Act, 1958, to undertake an inquiry into the retail prices of this commodity as suggested by the Deputy. I understand, however, that the petroleum companies are now giving active consideration to the question of a revision of petrol prices consequential on the establishment of the refinery at Whitegate.
Is the Minister aware that there is great dissatisfaction about the differential in prices between Cork and Dublin? Can he indicate if there is any manner in which he can compel the petroleum companies to remove the anomalies which exist at the moment?
I have already informed the Deputy that the matter is under active consideration and I am sure that is due to the dissatisfaction to which the Deputy refers.
May I ask the Minister if that investigation is intended to operate an overall price for the whole State, irrespective of Cork or Dublin?
That is a separate question.
The petroleum companies are examining the conditions but I do not know on what basis.
I do not think the position is confined entirely to Cork or Dublin. It is felt throughout the whole of the country.
The question relates to Cork.