asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the warranted wholesale price adjustments for premium petrol, regular petrol and autodiesel in each of the months January 1986, February 1986 and March 1986; if he will comment on the extent to which these were implemented; and if he will arrange that these be published monthly for consumer information.
Written Answers. - Petrol Prices.
35.
Limerick East): I presume that the reference in the question to “the warranted wholesale price” is to the wholesale price as formerly determined by the National Prices Commission. The relevant wholesale prices for January 1986, as determined by the Commission on 3 January, were as follows:
Change from December
Premium Petrol £2.65 per gallon (58.25 per litre) — 4.8p. per gallon (1.5p per litre)
Regular Petrol £2.60 per gallon (57.16p per litre) — 4.0p. per gallon (0.9p per litre)
Autodiesel £2.40 per gallon (52.77p per litre) — 7.8 per gallon (1.72p per litre)
These prices were the subject of an adjustment, arising from a change in the rate of excise duties, on 8 January, 1986. The revised wholesale prices were as follows:
Premium Petrol £2.69 per gallon (59.16. per litre)
Regular Petrol £2.64 per gallon (58.07p. per litre)
Autodiesel £2.48 per gallon (54.48p. per litre)
The arrangements relating to the determination of wholesale prices for petrol and autodiesel ceased on 17 January 1986 as part of the new measures relating to competition, prices and consumer protection which were announced by the Government on that day. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide information relating to these prices, including their implementation and publication, for the period subsequent to 17 January 1986.
The question of whether any special measures relating to the provision of price information on motor fuels to consumers may be necessary or desirable is under consideration by me at present.
36.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the concern expressed by the National Prices Commission at the significant increase in the number of outlets selling petrol at prices above the formula price in their November retail survey; and in particular, whether he will (i) publish the formula retail price as a guide to consumers; and (ii) introduce a retail prices display order enforcing the display of price in a prominent place in the station forecourts.
Limerick East): I am aware of the concern expressed by the National Prices Commission on this matter in their report for the period November 1985 to January 1986. Further survey work carried out more recently has indicated that a significant number of retailers are charging much higher prices than the prices recommended by the oil companies. I am proposing to meet with the relevant trade representative bodies to pursue the matter further.
The arrangements relating to the calculation of the "formula price" ceased on 17 January 1986 as part of the new measures relating to competition, prices and consumer protection which were announced by the Government on that day. Accordingly, it is not possible to publish information relating to that price.
In view of the current difficulties regarding retail prices, I am considering at present whether further action to stimulate consumer awareness of retail price variations is necessary or desirable.