Complaint sent to regulator over Sligo fuel prices

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A month of soaring fuel and home heating oil prices as a result of the war in the Middle East has led independent Councillor Marie Casserly to write to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to outline her concerns.

With reports of prices increasing several times a day at the pump but not so quick to be reduced, even after the Government introduced measures to help with soaring costs, Cllr Casserly has expressed her frustration and stressed the financial pressure being felt by many.

Outlining her concerns, Cllr Casserly, noted, “It has been repeatedly highlighted that when wholesale prices fall, retailers often cite existing stock as the reason for delays in reducing prices at the pump.

"However, this approach does not appear to be applied consistently when prices are rising. In many instances, increases are reflected almost immediately, even when fuel has been purchased at lower rates. This inconsistency raises serious questions about fairness and transparency in the pricing process.”

Stressing that public confidence is being undermined Cllr Casserly continued, “consumers, including families and commuters, are already under significant pressure due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The perception that price increases are passed on quickly, while reductions are delayed, further undermines public confidence in how fuel prices are determined.

“I would urge the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to consider implementing stronger monitoring and oversight measures to ensure that pricing practices are fair, consistent, and transparent. Greater accountability in this area would help restore trust and ensure that consumers benefit from reductions as promptly as they are impacted by increases.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.