The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) says it welcomes the news that Government will reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel from Wednesday 25th March and the proposal to cut the additional 2 cpl NORA charge as soon as the primary legislation can be brought to the Dail but says the reductions of 20cpl on Derv and 15cpl on unleaded are inadequate.
David Blevings from the IPRA said, “Retailers have been at the front end of this energy crisisreceiving unwelcome abuse and criticism for a situation brought about by global politics and
events that they have no control over.
“While we welcome this temporary reduction it does not go deep or for long enough.
“It should be in place for at least six months with a further review after that.
“At today’s diesel wholesale price, the excise reduction would bring the pump price to approximately €2.05 per litre — and this could move upwards again very quickly if wholesale
markets continue to rise.
“We would ask consumers to bear with us as the fuel price won’t come down immediately as the fuel bought yesterday and today will be at the higher excise rate and no doubt, consumers will
wait till after this event to make their fuel purchases.
“We are asking Government to issue a rebate of the excise duty and carbon tax to retailers that have bought fuel over the past 2 days at the higher rate as this will now have to be sold at a loss.
“We would ask for consumers continued understanding that fuel retailers are ‘price takers’ and have no control over wholesale prices.
“While the excise cut is a temporary measure (until at least the end of May) to help households and businesses facing high fuel costs, we do welcome it, but Government needs to recognise the plight of the retailer who is caught in the middle”, added David.