Stronger CCPC needed to tackle rising oil & fuel prices – Clendennen

Immediate increases in oil and fuel prices underline the need to give the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) stronger and faster enforcement powers, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael TD for Offaly and Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, John Clendennen, made his submission on the public consultation on enhancing the CCPC last week – before war broke out in the Middle East and fuel prices escalated.

Deputy Clendennen said that while international tensions can impact global oil markets, consumers are entitled to clarity and fairness when price increases are introduced with almost immediate effect.

“Fuel suppliers typically operate hedging strategies designed to smooth out short-term volatility in wholesale markets.

“In many cases, fuel being sold at forecourts was purchased weeks in advance at previously agreed prices. When price increases are introduced immediately following international events, it is reasonable for consumers to ask questions.”

The Fine Gael TD said he has constituents contacting his office this week, who are reporting large increases in their home heating oil costs. One person said the cost increased 52% for 500 ltrs from €475 in December, to €725 this week.

“This is not in pace with Brent crude oil increases which have risen by an estimated 26% over the last three months.”

He said this is completely unfair and is precisely why the CCPC must have modern, effective tools to monitor markets and act quickly where necessary.

Staff numbers in the CCPC have been increased by 50pc in recent years and Deputy Clendennen said Minister Peter Burke is working on reforming consumer protection.

“At present, the CCPC is often reliant on lengthy court processes to impose significant sanctions. That can take years. If we want public confidence in pricing transparency and market fairness, enforcement must be timely and credible.”

Deputy Clendennen is supporting the introduction of administrative financial sanctions that would allow the CCPC to intervene more quickly in cases of serious or systemic breaches of consumer law.

“Faster enforcement means quicker protection for consumers and quicker clarity for businesses. It ensures that if markets are not operating fairly, action can be taken without unnecessary delay.”

The Offaly TD stressed that stronger powers are not anti-business but instead protect honest operators.

“The vast majority of businesses operate responsibly, but strong enforcement protects compliant companies from being undercut by practices that damage consumer trust. A level playing field benefits everyone.”

Deputy Clendennen said enhanced powers, combined with appropriate safeguards such as proportional fines and clear appeal mechanisms, would create a more transparent and accountable marketplace.

“When global events impact prices, consumers deserve transparency. Strengthening the CCPC will help ensure confidence in how markets operate, protect consumers from unfair practices, dismantle cartels and support fair competition across the economy.”

He concluded by stating that expanded powers must be matched with proper resourcing to ensure the CCPC can carry out its role efficiently and effectively.