Consumers being ripped off by monopolies

DISCLOSURE earlier this week that Bord Gáis saw profits dip in 2003 by more than 9% and that debts have mounted to over €1 billion is cause for concern.

This happened in a year when sales increased by 7% and when consumers were hit with a 10% hike in prices.

Mounting debt in a state owned company is nothing new, but it could have serious implications for how the group performs in the years ahead.