§ Mr. HindTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many representations he has received from industry, commerce and the public relating to the notification to the public of changes in diesel oil costs over the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonIn the last 12 months the Department of Energy has received around 60 representations from MPs, the public and small businesses about the price of diesel.
Oil product prices are not set by Government. They are a matter for the oil companies, suppliers and retailers and reflect the cost of supply and the level of competition prevailing in the market. The recent rise in the price of diesel reflected an unusual combination of increased seasonal demand in Europe and the United States of America, and reduced supply caused by European delivery problems, United States refinery shutdowns and reduced exports from the USSR.
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