December 17, 2014
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd has called on petrol retailers not to engage in price gouging over the holiday period.
“Prices should reflect market conditions and the holiday period should not be used as an excuse to increase profit margins,” he said today.
“Despite crude oil prices dropping 20 cents per litre since June to a four-year low, the pump prices have only dropped by up to 15 cents per litre.
“Savings from the drop in international fuel prices should be passed on to consumers.
“As the biggest price setters in the industry, Coles-Shell and Woolworth-Caltex retail networks are the key to this happening.
“I urge the ACCC to remain vigilant and protect consumers against anti-competitive conduct in the fuel industry.
“I’d also encourage consumers to shop around. That is the best way to send a message to retailers that opportunistic pricing will not be tolerated.”
