DEAR News Of The Area,

ANYONE who has observed fuel prices in the Coffs Harbour region over the past ten or more years will not be surprised there is very little competition amongst the thirteen petrol stations.

Prices rise almost immediately when oil prices rise but most are very reluctant to drop them when they fall.

Independent retailers are always the lowest and the stark difference can currently be observed where the Liberty service station at Bonville is offering unleaded 91 fuel at 161.9 cents per litre some 8 to 10 cents lower that all the major players like BP and Caltex in town, and unleaded 95 fuel is 11 to 12 cents cheaper.

Amazingly the two other Liberty stations in town that obviously get the same fuel as Bonville are also 8 cents per litre more expensive.

Local motorists are constantly being ripped off by these fuel retailers and while the word ‘cartel’ might be a little harsh there is obviously no appetite by these retailers for any form of competition.

Regards,
Trevor QUICK,
Bonville.