Westmeath/Longford politician and Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Robert Troy TD, has called for an explanation as to why there are substantial discrepancies in fuel prices across the country.
“While consumers have always shopped around for the best deals when it comes to filling up their vehicles, it was often times the difference of a few cents at most. What we are seeing now is forecourts in the same counties with major price differences on display, some up to sixteen cent in the difference.
“I have been contacted by constituents who travel for work and wait to top up their cars in Dublin where it is thirteen cent cheaper than in the exact same provider in Westmeath. Not only is it unfair on consumers who, depending on their locality, have to spend more fuelling their car, but it is also detrimental to communities as a whole with people actively seeking out a much lower priced provider.
The Deputy called on the pricing discrepancies to be investigated as a matter of urgency.
“I understand that different petrol stations might have different expenses, insurance prices, rent and staffing costs, however we need to ensure that people are not being ripped off.
“The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission which are under the aegis of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation need to investigate these contrasts and ensure that motorists are not over charged for fuel depending on their locality or the petrol station they use”, Deputy Troy concluded.
