Vol. 471 No. 7
367 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the sharp increase in the price of diesel fuel oil over the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/96]
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, official price control on petroleum products was discontinued on 1 October 1991 with the entry into force of the Competition Act, 1991. In the meantime, the objective and thrust of public policy have been to promote fair and increased competition in all sectors of the economy.
I have been informed by the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications that the price per litre for diesel in respect of the period August to October 1996 is as follows: August 1996, 56.82p; September 1996, 57.68p; October 1996, 60.49p.
The reason for the increase is the result of the rise in crude oil prices on international markets. The rise was influenced by, among other things, concerns regarding stability in the Middle East and its implications for future supply.
