Government warns against abuse of forecourt staff as fuel prices surge

Minister urges public not to target forecourt staff as fuel industry blames global commodity spikes for price rises

There had been significant hikes in kerosene (74%), diesel (48%), and petrol (15%) prices since last Friday. File picture

The Government has urged people not to abuse retail workers at forecourts across the country amid rising fuel prices linked to the war in Iran.

Enterprise minister Peter Burke met representatives from the fuel industry on Friday, where discussions focused on rising prices driven by changes in the commodity values of kerosene, diesel, and petrol.

Mr Burke said the engagement with the fuel industry had been “constructive”, adding that the abuse of retail workers also arose during discussions.

“It was brought to my attention that retail workers have come under significant abuse in recent days. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, and no one should take their frustration out on any retail worker,” Mr Burke said.

Mr Burke said the meeting also examined pricing structures in the energy market and the factors driving costs in an uncertain geopolitical environment.

“I highlighted the current CCPC investigation, and providers expressed that they are more than happy to co-operate fully and will encourage their members to do the same,” Mr Burke said.

“The CCPC has a strong mandate to protect consumers and ensure competition law is fully complied with.

“My department continues to engage with the sector as matters evolve, including through the Government’s Energy Security Group, which meets regularly."

Little control of pricing

Kevin McPartlan, chief executive of Fuels for Ireland, said the meeting with Mr Burke was positive.

He said Irish markets have little control over commodity pricing, adding that prices have increased sharply since last Friday — kerosene by 74%, diesel by 48%, and petrol by 15%.

"This idea that people have been price-gouging is absolutely fallacious and poorly founded," he said.

“We expressed our concern that some of the language that has been used by political leaders has really influenced the amount of abuse, insult and threats which our staff our experiencing.” 

Mr McPartlan said Fuels for Ireland welcomes the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission investigation, saying it will find “no co-ordination of pricing”.

He also pointed to a previous report completed in 2022 that found no evidence of coordinated pricing.