John Bruton
Question:44 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Energy if he will give comparative figures for the cost of oil, gas and electricity in Ireland and in each of the EC member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fuel Costs.
It is very difficult to make valid comparisons between energy prices in EC member states as figures will not necessarily be determined on the same basis. Any comparison requires care, not only because of fluctuations in exchange rates but also because of differences in product quality, marketing practices and market structure.
Useful sources of oil prices are the Oil Bulletin of the Commission of the European Communities and the International Energy Agency's quarterly publication of Energy Prices and Taxes. In regard to electricity and gas prices, information on these is published on a regular basis in Eurostat, a publication of the Statistical Office of the European Communities. I have made arrangements for relevant extracts from recent publications to be forwarded to the Deputy for his information.