CCPC reminds traders of the importance of compliance with competition and consumer protection law amid Ukraine crisis
March 11, 2022
The war in Ukraine has created significant issues in a number of sectors. In particular the impact on fuel prices has created much concern and distress for consumers.
Traders who provide essential everyday products, like fuel, play a very important part in our economy and in the lives of consumers. These traders are entitled to set their own prices independently. This is an important part of competition in a functioning market. However, at a time when volatile prices are having a significant impact on consumers it is imperative that traders remain compliant with competition and consumer protection laws at all times.
The CCPC oversees competition and consumer protection in the State. Our role and remit is set out clearly in legislation and we act to protect consumers where there is a breach of Irish or European law in this regard. While it should be noted that we do not have a role in monitoring or setting prices within markets, we are committed to ensuring that traders comply with all consumer protection and competition obligations.
The CCPC has moved to take a number of steps within our remit to ensure compliance with the law in the current situation.
We have written to a trade association to warn them about potential competition compliance issues with making public statements around future increases in fuel prices and continue to monitor public statements in this area.
The CCPC has written to petrol retailers to remind them of their obligations under consumer protection law and will be continuing with our compliance activities in relation to pricing displays
We have updated our website to provide consumers with relevant information on price increases. We encourage anyone with information on potential breaches of the law, such as collusive behaviour or price agreements, to provide us with any evidence they have on such activities.
The CCPC has received 83 complaints in relation to retail fuel prices over the past week. We are working to review these complaints and, where necessary, we will engage directly with complainants and industry to determine if competition or consumer protection laws may have been breached.
We have engaged with our European colleagues to discuss the issues arising from the war in Ukraine, such as large price fluctuations, and how competition and consumer protection law could be applied to these new circumstances in order to deliver a high level of protection for consumers in Ireland
Further information for consumers on pricing and the law in Ireland is available on the CCPC website.
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