asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the increase in the price of heavy fuel oil since 1969; and the reasons for the increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Oil Price.
37.
The following increases have occurred in the wholesale scheduled prices of fuel oil since 1969: October, 1970—Increase of 1d per gallon; December, 1970—Increase of 1d per gallon; March, 1971—Increase of 1.13p per gallon.
This gives a total increase of 4.7d (1.96p) per gallon. The main reasons for these increases were increases in the world prices for crude oil and increased international freight rates. A subsidiary reason was increased internal costs of Irish oil companies.
Is the Minister aware that the price of fuel oil in general is a very important ingredient in a firm's production costs? Would the Minister consider a scheme for subsidising fuel oil in respect of export industries?
That is a separate question.
No.