PBP launch Bill to introduce emergency price controls for petrol, diesel, electricity, natural gas and home heating oil

People Before Profit today launched a Bill, which will be moved on the resumption of the Dáil, to introduce emergency price controls for petrol, diesel, electricity, natural gas and home heating oil.

The Price Controls Bill 2022 would amend the Consumer Protection Act 2007 and declare an emergency in relation to the supply of petrol, diesel, natural gas, electricity and oil (kerosene).

It would set maximum prices for petrol, diesel, natural gas, electricity and oil (kerosene) as follows:

Petrol – €1.75 per litre

Diesel – €1.75 per litre

Electricity – 25c per kilowatt hour

Natural Gas – 8c per kilowatt hour

Oil (kerosene) – €1 per litre.

Speaking on the Bill, TD Richard Boyd Barrett said:

“Radical action is needed urgently to tackle the ongoing inflation and cost of living crisis.

“The government to date has tinkered around the edges in attempting to take the sting out of these crises for people.

“People are having to make shocking choices in their daily lives.

“The choice between heating and eating is something that would shock people to hear, but today is the reality for growing numbers of people in this country.

“People having to decide to skip a meal to make sure their children have enough to eat is a disgraceful scenario.

“We are urging all TDs in the Dáil to back this Bill so that the government is forced to take the radical action necessary to tackle the cost of living crisis which is inflicting incredible hardship on people.”