Petrol stations charging customers higher prices than they advertise could face prosecution, the Director of Consumer Affairs, Ms Carmel Foley, warned last night, writes Daniel McConnell.
The warning came after a survey by Ms Foley's office found some petrol stations in the south-east which do not have electronic display notices were showing the price of petrol at 99.9 cent, while the pump price was up to 103.9 cent. The petrol stations found to be in violation of the law claimed the price discrepancies had occurred because the manual display signs had only space for three digits, two digits before the decimal point and one digit after.
Speaking last night, Ms Foley said: "Subject to legal advice, I am considering the possibility of prosecution against those stations found to be in violation of the law. The excuses given by the petrol stations in my mind are pathetic. While the situation is currently limited to a small area, this move is to pre-empt any attempt by stations across the country to take advantage of their customers."
Following intervention by inspectors, the stations have rectified prices with handwritten figures. The director is concerned that this problem could become serious once more petrol stations, which rely on manual signage, raise their prices to above the one euro level.
"The misleading price indication issue is not widespread yet, but if the price of petrol continues to increase, the potential exists for it extending nationwide," Ms Foley added. A team of 20 inspectors will be closely monitoring petrol pricing throughout the State over the coming weeks to ensure that consumers are not misled by incorrect price display.