Retailer’s linked fuel contracts
O’Keeffe raised a retailer’s complaint that its supplier stopped diesel deliveries but kept it bound to a petrol contract, preventing a switch. O’Malley said the contract required legal interpretation and noted the Fair Trade Commission’s inquiry into oil distribution.
I was trying to ask a supplementary earlier. I am afraid it is an oily one but I was told there was further oil down the line. Since we are running out of oil can I ask the supplementary again? Is the Minister aware that this company have recently informed one of their retailers that they will no longer provide him with diesel fuel but at the same time they will not release that retailer from his contract to supply petrol? This ensures that that particular retailer with an offer of a contract from another company cannot accept it. Is the Minister aware that that type of malpractice is in operation so far as this company are concerned?
Comment on this
I imagine that that is a question of legal interpretation of a particular contract. It is a matter on which a garage or a retailer should seek legal advice.
Comment on this
The Fair Trade Commission are just about to conclude an inquiry into the distribution of oil at retail level. They presumably did not include recent events.