Vol. 567 No. 5
166 Mr. Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that petrol prices have not been reduced in line with the decrease in crude oil prices on world markets; if she will examine the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14447/03]
The responsibility of Government in respect of prices of goods and services generally is, in the main, limited to ensuring that markets are working properly for the benefit of consumers and of the economy as a whole. I am not aware of any particular difficulties in the market referred to in the question and, accordingly, one would expect any lower costs for suppliers to impact favourably on prices for the final consumer.
To assist consumers to take advantage of competition and to shop around for the best price, there is a legal requirement, under the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997, for retailers to display the selling price of petrol and diesel per litre to consumers. The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs is charged with the responsibility for monitoring compliance with this order.
