Vol. 495 No. 1
123 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reasons for the variation in prices of a litre of petrol in the vicinity of Cork city, that is 60p in Cork city and 55p in Mitchelstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19325/98]
Government policy in relation to prices generally is to encourage competition and to promote greater price awareness among consumers. The Oireachtas enacted laws on competition in 1991 and 1996 in line with this approach. In the absence of official information since the removal of statutory price control on petrol prices in 1991, I am not in a position to comment on price differentials arising between different retail outlets beyond indicating that there are a range of factors that contribute to the final price, including product and other costs and profit margins taken by the various economic operators. Ultimately, motorists need to be sensitive to prices charged in order to make the market work effectively. Should the Deputy be concerned about anti-competitive practices, such as price-fixing or the abuse of a dominant position, our competition law provides alternative ways of pursuing such allegations. A civil action can be taken under section 6 of the Competition Act, 1991, or a complaint can be lodged with the Director of Competition Enforcement requesting him to investigate the alleged offence(s). The Director of Competition Enforcement is based at the offices of the Competition Authority, Parnell House, Parnell Square, Dublin 1.
