Action urged over petrol prices

Petrol station owners are calling on the Government to reduce fuel duties to stop spiralling prices at the pump.

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association said retailers are not to blame for the increasing fuel cost, and it is seeking the introduction of a "fuel stabiliser" that would reduce duty as international oil prices increased.

"Too often, consumers blame the retailer for price hikes when in fact they have no control over increasing prices. The reality is that retail fuel prices are under pressure due to the increasing price of refined products on the international market," association spokesman David Blevings said.

The continuing the turmoil in the Middle East meant increases in oil prices were likely to continue. Mr Blevings said he understood the public frustration when faced with higher prices but said petrol retailers operate on extremely low margins and were merely passing on increases and decreases based on the wholesale prices that major oil companies charge.

"There is little sign of the international oil price reducing, and the only way forward we believe is for the Government to introduce a fuel stabiliser that would reduce duty as international oil prices increased - this would clearly benefit consumers as over 70 per cent of all fuel sold at the pumps is for taxation."