Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - National Fuel Stocks.

Enda Kenny

Question:

196 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current national strategic stocks of petrol, diesel, gas, oil, LPG and kerosene including fuel expressed in terms of ways of supply available at the latest date possible; if he will give a breakdown of the figure between strategic stocks and operating stocks; the number of days supply held in private hands; if he has satisfied himself that the State and private holders of stocks are still meeting their obligations, including EC obligations, in this regard; the steps, if any, he is taking to increase stocks and assure our national strategic stock for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

On 1 February 1993, the most recent date for which figures are available, Ireland's oil stocks as reported to the EC were 107 days petrol, 98 days gasoil (also known as diesel) and 144 days heavy fuel oil. The number of days supply held other than by the Irish National Petroleum Corporation was 50 days petrol, 52 days gasoil and 132 days heavy fuel oil.

Records are kept in compliance with EC and IEA procedures, which do not require that stocks of LPG or jet fuel be recorded, nor is it necessary to make a distinction between operating and strategic stocks. Kerosene, other than jet fuel, is included in the gasoil figure.

The performance of oil companies in relation to their stock holding obligations varies. However, you may be assured that every effort is being made to improve the performance of those companies which are not meeting their obligations in full at present.

Ireland currently meets EC and IEA obligations in relation to all specified stock categories and it is my intention that we should continue to do so. There is, therefore, no need to increase stocks at present.