iRadio Stock ImageThe State's consumer watchdog has been asked to investigate whether petrol stations have been price gouging.
It comes as service station giant Circle K has moved to categorically deny claims it raised prices at it's locations in Ireland.
It follows Wednesday's Government announcement that excise duty on fuel would be cut by 20c a litre on petrol and 15c a litre on diesel from midnight.
However a number of users took to social media, claiming prices had been increased in anticipation of the tax cut.
Putting your price of diesel from 199 to 224 in the 48 hours before the government brings in a 20c reduction @circlekireland
naas road. The forecourt was empty in the only garage going towards Dublin, never using circle K again #robbery #fuelprices #applegreen #circlek— Heidibrab (@heidibrab) March 10, 2022
Circle K the Cove, Dunmore Road, Waterford this morning compared to yesterday. pic.twitter.com/5HKqPvJ6X3
— Leah Burgess ? (@LeahBurgessIr) March 10, 2022
Our circle k put prices up to €2.14 overnight. Our texaco remained at €1.99. I know who I won't be getting diesel from again. I also won't stop in to buy anything in the shop again. #tonightvmtv #cblive
— Barbara Smyth (@BarbaraMSmyth) March 9, 2022
Pic on the left is at 12.30. Pic on right was 9.30 this morning. Circle K Castleisland, go fuck yourselfs pic.twitter.com/RaHknkbJs9
— Dave (@Furious_Dave) March 9, 2022
In statement released to Buzz, Circle K Ireland said:
"We categorically refute claims that price changes across petrol and diesel were implemented as a result of yesterday’s government announcement regarding the reduction in excise duty".
"Our pricing is set in line with local and international market movements and wholesale market costs. This was the case yesterday and the same process is adhered to anytime there are price changes.
"The current period we are in is unprecedented with the invasion of Ukraine having a significant impact and leading to price pressures which is a challenge for all fuel retailers."
The State's consumer watchdog has been asked to investigate whether petrol stations have been price gouging.
A number of TDs have written to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission today after large price hikes yesterday.
Many stations shot up their prices yesterday and a number of TDs believe price gouging was going on.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan meanwhile said the prices being charged today would have been set a number of days ago.
He said the Government can't go further without breaching EU laws.
Sources in Government have admitted the excise intervention, despite costing 320 million euro, may not be nearly enough.
