The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) recognises the frustration that has led to major protests across Dublin and Ireland.
“Blocking the Ports is not a sensible option,” said David Blevings, IPRA spokesperson. “By blocking the ports, you are stopping fuel deliveries to garages across the country which will result in stations running out of fuel and penalising consumers further. This makes no sense and we would encourage constructive dialogue rather than stopping the fuel movements across the island”.
The call for calm comes on the back of the publication of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s report into alleged complaints about home heating oil and road fuel prices which concluded that, the price increases seen in recent weeks were not driven by competition issues, but rather by significant increases in international wholesale costs.
“This is good news for our members who have been vindicated. We had members who sold fuel at a loss when the excise cut was announced, and we still await a Ministerial decision on a rebate for pre excise cut purchases”, added David.