4th March 2026
- Minister encouraging consumers to urgently report breaches of competition/consumer law in home heating oil and fuel to CCPC, who are investigating the matter
- Minister will meet energy representative bodies this Friday
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has confirmed he has engaged with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and asked them to urgently investigate claims from citizens who have raised significant concerns around price gouging and illegal practice in terms of home heating oil, petrol and diesel.
“I am encouraging members of the public to contact the CCPC via ask@ccpc.ie or via their helpline at 01 402 5555 in relation to recent increases in home heating oil and fuel. I am assured by the CCPC that these complaints will be carefully and urgently assessed. Our consumer watchdog can avail of a range of powers to investigate and prosecute where clear breaches of the law are evident. The CCPC can impose fines of up €10 million in certain circumstances of breaches, or 10% of a company’s turnover.
“A confidential whistle-blowing service is also available for reports of suspected cartel behaviour.
“I am also meeting industry representatives and suppliers in the energy market on Friday to discuss my concerns around the recent sharp increases in home heating oil and fuel prices, which do not appear to correspond with wholesale trends.
“All businesses operating in this country must comply fully with the law, and the CCPC will be monitoring developments closely."
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