Petrol stations are free to increase fuel prices individually as there are “no legal barriers” stopping it, the State’s consumer watchdog has said.
In a statement, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has said if businesses collude to “fix prices, this is cartel behaviour” and the CCPC can then investigate if that’s the case.
But a spokeswoman said there are “no legal barriers” to petrol stations independently increasing prices at petrol pumps.
The statement read: “There are no legal barriers to petrol stations acting independently to increase their prices.
“The CCPC does not have a role in monitoring price increases in the market.
“If businesses collude to fix prices this is cartel behaviour and the CCPC can investigate and refer a case to the DPP for criminal prosecution.”
It comes after several TDs have written to the watchdog over claims of price gouging at many stations across the country.
The Taoiseach also said the CCPC was there to investigate such matters.
The Government moved to cut excise duty on fuel but it was already swallowed up after petrol stations across the country jacked up their prices.
Speaking in the Dáil, Labour TD Duncan Smith asked Green Party leader Eamon Ryan to admit the oil firms had played the Government “like absolute mugs.”
While Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the "so-called" reduction in excise on petrol and diesel has been immediately eroded with prices higher than they were on Tuesday.
He said people are panicking and struggling to make ends meet.
He told Minister Ryan: "Half measures simply doesn't cut it.
“You could have done more.”
