asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate why a petrol company (name supplied) in County Donegal has been allowed to charge 3p per gallon more for central heating oil than the other oil companies; and the action he has taken or proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Heating Oil.
22.
Under the existing price control arrangements for petroleum products, the prices which may be charged by Irish oil companies are linked to those charged by their parent or associated companies in the outer zone of the United Kingdom. Since the UK companies charge different prices for their products in that zone, this has meant that the Irish companies may charge different prices for their products, including gas oil for central heating, provided those prices do not exceed the level of their parent or associated companies' prices in the UK outer zone.
I should add, that since 21st February, 1974, the company referred to are charging 1.25p per gallon less than one Irish company and 0.25p more than the others, so that the differential mentioned by the Deputy has been virtually eliminated.
Was there at any time a differential like the one I mentioned?
Yes, there was that differential, up to a finishing date of February 21st and either starting from 27th December or 3rd January that differential existed in regard to the company mentioned in regard to that period.
Was it a permitted differential? Are the lower figures of 1.2 and .1 the result of a revision by the Prices Commission?
It was a permitted differential because it was in line with the differential by the same company vis-à-vis their competitors.
Was it justified?