asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the May price adjustment in the maximum price for petrol will be linked to movement in world crude oil price or in world petrol prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Oil Prices.
33.
I am not certain of exactly what the Deputy is referring to in his question. Any adjustments allowed in the retail price of petrol will apply to all of the market regardless of whether it is supplied by companies with international links or by Irish owned companies.
34.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, as a tangible benefit in the area of Anglo-Irish relations and as there are investigations into the price of petrol being conducted in Great Britain and in Ireland, he will make representation to have information exchanged between the two inquiries with a view to protecting the public from excessive price increases.
In the normal course of events there is co-operation and exchange of information between the competition authorities of member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
In so far as inquiries are concerned, it is normal procedure, during the course of an inquiry, for the Fair Trade Commission to make contact with other competition authorities, including the Mergers and Monopolies Commission in the UK.
35.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the May price for petrol will involve adjustment for the part of the market supplied by the international oil companies alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am not certain of exactly what the Deputy is referring to in his question. Any adjustments allowed in the retail price of petrol will apply to all of the market regardless of whether it is supplied by companies with international links or by Irish owned companies.
The Deputy will be aware of the volatile nature of the international market which has seen spot prices increase from $173.63 in December 1988 to $274.10 in April 1989.