Survey reveals true story of petrol prices

Northern Ireland motorists flock to Dundalk in search of cheaper petrol.

However, a survey carried out by The Argus reveals a considerable difference in prices at local forecourts and a widening gap between Dundalk and other towns in the northeast.

Prices at most garages are higher than in Drogheda, Navan and Dublin, putting paid to the long-held believe that motorists here benefit from the cheapest petrol in the country because of the existence of a lucrative cross-border trade.

The cheapest rate for unleaded petrol in Dundalk stands at 64.7p per litre and the dearest 69.9p, allowing motorists a saving of almost 8% by shopping around.

On an average 50 litre fill, there is a difference of £2 between the dearest and cheapest garages.

Sample prices in Drogheda showed drivers being charged, on average, 64.7p per litre, 64.9p per litre in Navan and 65.3 per litre in Dublin.

Ten of 12 garages surveyed in Dundalk are charging more for unleaded prices than those in Drogheda, Navan and Dublin.

A spokesman for the Office of Consumer Affairs says that petrol prices aren’t fixed, and it is wrong for people to think that prices are controlled.

‘Competition sets the price,’ he says. However, he points out that garage owners are obliged by law to display their prices.

Minster of State with responsibility for Consumer Affairs Tom Kitt says it is a ‘ huge concern’ that garages selling the same brand of petrol are charging different prices.

A follow-up survey shows that eight Dundalk garages lower their prices by between 1p and 3p per litre.

The cheapest price for petrol remains at 64.7p per litre. The dearest is 66.9p.