Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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224. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps that are being taken to ensure that motorists are not paying unnecessarily high prices for petrol and diesel, and to ensure that cuts in excise imposed by the Government are passed on to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14987/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the impacts of the current fuel price increases. These trends are driven primarily by global factors and it is not possible for the Government to fully insulate consumers against these price impacts.

However, I took the decision to alleviate some of these impacts through the domestic taxation of fuel with a temporary reduction in the excise rate for auto fuels.  Effective from 10 March 2022 there is a reduction of 20 cent in the excise rates for petrol and 15 cent on auto diesel.  These measures are VAT inclusive and will last until 31 August 2022.

The excise reductions come in addition to the extensive cost of living supports already announced this year, including a €200 energy credit, public transport fare reductions, fuel allowance increases, an enhanced Drug Payment Scheme, and bringing forward the working family payment.

The price of petrol and diesel is determined by a number of factors including taxation, the price of the raw material, the prevailing exchange rates as well as the fact the different wholesalers can enter into forward contracts at different rates for the purchase of oil. The price of fuel on the forecourt is set by the individual retailer and would likely take into account the costs associated with the retail of the product such as those mentioned above together with the cost of having oil delivered.

Garages are not committing an offence simply by charging a higher price than competitors. However, all garages must operate within the bounds of consumer protection and competition law in relation to their pricing policies and practices. I have no function in this area. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the promotion of consumer rights and the enforcement of consumer law. The CCPC provides information on consumer rights and enforces consumer protection laws, including rules on pricing and deceptive trading practices.   

If an individual believes that a breach of their consumer rights has occurred, they may make a complaint directly to the business concerned, but also to the CCPC.  The CPCC provides advice and guidelines on the process of making a complaint. Full information is available at: www.ccpc.ie.