Tesco has rejected claims that the opening of a new petrol station at one of its stores in Co Kerry led to the closure of eight local filling stations and the loss of 40 jobs.
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry has accused the supermarket chain of cross-subsidising its grocery business by selling cheaper petrol.
It comes after the company confirmed plans to open two new filling stations at Tesco stores in counties Offaly and Westmeath.
Tesco has been selling unleaded petrol at 93.9 cent a litre today - around 8c cheaper than the average independent retailer around the country.
