Skip to main content
Normal View

Fuel Prices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2013

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Questions (67)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

67. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to regulate fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29803/13]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland, as with other countries, has experienced an increase in fuel prices. This increase is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such as geopolitical uncertainty in Northern Africa and the Middle East with potential supply disruptions.

The function of my Department in relation to fuel prices is confined to taxes imposed on fuel. In this regard, the Exchequer yield from excise, as excise is set at a nominal amount, does not increase as the price of fuels increase. On the other hand, the yield from VAT per litre of fuel, as VAT is set as a percentage of the price, increases as the price of fuels increase. It should be noted however that businesses are entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on their business inputs, including VAT incurred on fuel. For example, VAT incurred on auto-diesel and marked gas oil (MGO or green diesel) used in the course of business is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system. There are no plans for taxation adjustments in this area as to do so could lead to significant costs to the Exchequer.

Top
Share