MOTORISTS in Lithgow will welcome any cut in petrol prices no matter how small.
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That is no surprise given the relatively high prices charged by service stations around town at the moment.
Over the years local motorists have watched Sydney prices with envy.
They have been equally envious of other regional cities and towns – towns further from petrol supply sources than Lithgow – where motorists paid less at the bowsers.
For the week ending February 12, Lithgow sat at number two as the most expensive place in NSW for petrol according to the NRMA’s Bowser Buster website.
The city’s fuel was the most expensive for the week ending February 5 and was the second most pricey the week before that.
Petrol pricing certainly raises many questions. What contributes to cheaper fuel in other centres only 30 minutes away?
Why is it that the bowser charge immediately soars when world oil prices rise but is so slow to decrease when international prices fall?
There are never adequate answers. Or any that are palatable at the tills.
A lack of competition is cited as one reason.
Other centres apparently have more service stations vying for market share. Petrol companies and service stations use an old argument that fuel motorists buy today was stock purchased at higher wholesale prices.
This “wholesale” argument seldom raises its head when prices go up.
The retail price hike is almost immediate. The NRMA says there are fewer outlets in regional centres, so lack of competition can be a factor. But, there is also no threat of residents using trains and buses.
Regional motorists, their wallets and household budgets are hostages to longer distances and trips, heavier vehicles and fewer outlets.
In recent years there have been studies clearly demonstrating problems in regional pricing. The industry never provides adequate explanations.
Federal and State governments have shown no interest in an inquiry into the issue.
Residents are told to do their research first in order to pocket a few tiny savings.
And while you do grab the savings if you can we urge you to ask your MPs why governments are not doing anything lasting to bring the prices down for everyone, everywhere around the country.