Despite calls from both the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and the ACCC for local fuel stations to lower petrol prices they are still higher than neighbouring towns.
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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission this week joined Mr McCormack in demanding local fuel retailers lower their prices.
"Petrol retailers should not use the current pandemic to further increase profits, which the latest ACCC petrol industry report shows have risen in recent years, and should pass on the full benefit of falling oil prices to motorists," an ACCC spokesperson said.
"Weekly average international crude oil prices have decreased by around US$ 50 per barrel since the beginning of the year and this has largely flowed through to Australian wholesale petrol prices, which have decreased by around 50 cents per litre in the same period."
Local motorist Brett Causer has reached out to both Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and to Mr McCormack asking for action to be taken, especially with the tough times only getting tougher for some locals.
"People in small country towns are already doing it tough from drought, fires and now COVID-19 et cetera without being robbed by service stations," Mr Causer said.
Mr McCormack said that he shares locals concerns about the price differences, not only in Young but in other areas of the Riverina as well.
"While I have demanded and will continue to demand a fair go for country motorists, Australian wholesale prices are not regulated by the Government and the ACCC has no power to set prices," Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack said the ACCC has been directed by the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, to monitor prices, costs and profits of fuel retailers.
According to Mr McCormack locals could have expected a slight delay but that time has come and gone.
"This delay in rural and regional areas may be due to a number of factors, including the frequency a retail site turns over fuel," Mr McCormack said.
"However, stubbornly high prices in country areas can only be tolerated for a short time and for most that time has passed."
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