The wholesale and retail prices of autodiesel are subject to control by maximum prices order and set monthly following a review by my Department of the relevant factors making up these prices, including the cost of the refined product.
Following the most recent monthly review the price of autodiesel increased in early January, 1990 due to a substantial rise in the ex-refinery cost of the product during December 1989. Since then, the cost of the refined product has decreased and, if this trend is continued, it is to be expected that there will be a reduction in the maximum wholesale and retail prices set in February, 1990.