Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Agricultural Diesel Prices.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

185 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the current situation in relation to the price of agricultural diesel; if he has satisfied himself that satisfactory price reductions have been made since August 1990; whether such oil on world market prices is at its lowest price than at any time in the past 14 months, although the prices increased from 2 August 1990 from 75p per gallon to a current price of £1.12 per gallon; if he has satisfied himself with the current level of price controls in this area; and if they will be reviewed.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

In the context of the Gulf crisis, my Department monitored price developments for a range of petroleum products and, arising from this, it would appear that the international price of diesel has been fairly reflected in the prices of agricultural diesel to the Irish consumer. I would, however, emphasise that a range of different prices for this product is available to the consumer from local distributors, and consumers should accordingly shop around for the most competitive price available.

Agricultural diesel is not, as I have already advised the House, subject to statutory price control and I do not see any need to change that position.

The Deputy will be aware that there was a recent significant decrease in the price of diesel oil.