Consumer watchdog welcomes Tesco petrol plans

Irish consumer groups are welcoming plans by supermarket chain Tesco Ireland, to open up a number of petrol stations offering cheaper prices at the pump.

It has been claimed that the average person could save up to €5 when they fill their tanks.

The Society of the Irish Motoring Industry has said the move will force the closure of small petrol stations.

However Michael Kilcoyne from the Consumers Association of Ireland has dismissed this. Mr Kilcoyne has said, “Consumers if they are given real value and real incentives are prepared to shop around.

"The euro has strengthened by 25 % against the dollar but the price of petrol has continued to rise. I believe it will give real value to the consumer.”