asked the Minister for Energy the adequacy and location of strategic stocks of petrol and auto diesel available in terms of days cover of normal consumption; and the adequacy of Whitegate Oil Refinery, County Cork, to produce the petrol and auto diesel fractions for the domestic market.
Written Answers. - Petrol and Auto Diesel Stocks.
33.
Petrol and auto diesel stocks in place are entirely adequate to cover the operational and short term contingency requirements of the economy. Nevertheless, I am conscious of the need to assess and implement whatever measures are necessary to enable Ireland to meet international stockholding obligations and, in this way, enhance national supply security and emergency preparedness.
A small part of these Irish stocks are, by derogation allowed by me, held outside Ireland.
My Department is kept fully informed on aggregate stock quantities. The more important domestic locations are at Dublin and Cork.
At standard operating levels, Whitegate Refinery supplies 35 per cent of Irish Market requirements of motor spirit and gasoil. However, the refinery has the capacity to supply up to 60 per cent of motor spirit and 50 per cent of gasoil requirements on a consistent basis.