Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason diesel fuel oil prices at filling stations have exceeded petrol prices; if there is some particular or specific reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11636/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Since the beginning of the year there have been significant increases in both the wholesale and retail price of petrol and diesel products, caused by a combination of strong demand, tight capacities, political uncertainty and some market speculation. Ireland has no control over world oil prices. I am not aware of any particular reason the price of diesel oil may have exceeded the price of petrol, neither do I have any detailed information on the comparative retail prices of the two fuels.

The policy of the Government on oil products generally is to promote competition and consumer choice. There is no price control on these products and in common with most other goods and services price differences are an ongoing feature of the market economy. It is a matter for retailers to explain price differences where they occur and my Department encourages consumers to raise price concerns directly with retailers.

While fuel may not be subject to price control, the Retail Price (Diesel and Petrol) Display Order 1997, which is enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, requires persons selling diesel and petrol products to specify the price per litre being charged and to display their prices in a clear and prominent manner. The order enables consumers to readily compare prices and purchase their fuel on the basis of an informed choice.