We cannot tolerate a situation in which certain retailers or suppliers may be engaging in cartel behaviour or price gouging
Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore has written to the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) requesting that it opens an investigation into reports of price gouging and cartelism by motor fuel suppliers in the wholesale and retail markets,
“I have received dozens of representations from all over the country telling me the same thing – fuel prices in their respective localities are increasing in forecourts, a number of times a day, in unison. Home heating suppliers are increasing prices in the same fashion.
“Meanwhile, we have all seen prices in forecourts increase overnight, following the government announcement that it was cutting excise duty in fuel, leading to accusations of price gouging.
“We cannot tolerate a situation in which certain retailers or suppliers may be engaging in cartel behaviour, or price gouging, during a period of great peril for the country – when ordinary workers and families are already struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
“I have therefore written to the CCPC requesting that it opens an investigation into potential price-fixing and cartelism by motor fuel suppliers in the wholesale and retail markets.
“The CCPC has a remit to promote competition and consumer welfare and to investigate, enforce and encourage compliance with competition and consumer protection law. Given the extreme hardship that these huge price hikes are causing for consumers and businesses all over the country, I am hopeful it will open an investigation swiftly.”
10 March, 2022
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