Four sample charges were brought against the company for offences under the Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. The charges relate to a "Massive January Clearance" promotion.
Trading Standards officers visited Petroleum outlets in Ballymena, Newry, and Belfast in January 2006. Promotional sale signs were displayed throughout the stores stating “Prices Slashed” and “Huge Reductions,” while many items of clothing were labelled with "Massive Clearance" tickets.
Trading Standards Service found that many items had not been reduced in price as implied, and some items had actually increased in price during the promotion.
A spokesperson from Trading Standards Service said: “Traders must always ensure that the information given to customers during sales is accurate and does not mislead in anyway.”
Consumers who suspect they have been misled by a trader’s claim of a price reduction should report it to Consumerline on 0845 600 6262 or 028 9025 3900 or log on to 
www.consumerline.org.
Notes to Editors:
- The charges were brought under the Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. The Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 is intended to protect consumers from being misled as to the price they have to pay for goods and services. It is an offence for a trader to give a misleading indication about the way in which a price has been calculated.
- For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
