asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that petrol is 9½d. a gallon cheaper in Great Britain and Northern Ireland than it is in Éire; if he can state the reason for this difference in view of the fact that there is now no war risk insurance payable, and that petrol for Éire arrives in the same tankers as those which supply the United Kingdom; and if he is further aware that there is widespread dissatisfaction among private and commercial petrol users about the high price of petrol in Éire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Petrol.
The difference between the price of petrol in this country and in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is attributable to higher customs duty and distribution costs in this country. These items are as follows:—
|
Duty |
6d. |
|
Distribution costs |
1½d. |
|
Industrial alcohol |
2d. |
|
Total |
9½d. |
Consideration is at present being given to the possibility of effecting a reduction in distribution costs.
Will the Minister say if the use of industrial alcohol raises the price of petrol by 2d. in respect of every gallon used in the country?