WHEN it comes to the issue of fuel stations that serve the motorist in Ireland, our progress seems to be going in a distinctly negative direction in recent years.

Three of Europe’s biggest oil explorers are among companies being questioned by European antitrust regulators about potential manipulation of prices in the €2.6tn annual global crude market.

PETROL retailers estimate that about 300 million litres of laundered diesel — or 12% of the total diesel market — is being sold in garages every year.

PETROL retailers refused to comment on a claim that the price of fuel at service stations has increased this week despite the continuing fall in international oil prices.

THE increasing popularity of air travel and policies to encourage the sale of “greener” cars are being blamed for high diesel prices.

CONSUMER chiefs last night called on the Government to investigate why diesel is costlier than petrol despite tax incentives to lure motorists away from unleaded.

MOTORISTS are being punished by the cost of diesel just as the Government is encouraging motorists to buy diesel-powered cars to help the environment.