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Name ; Shame Is Not Enough


Name ; Shame Is Not Enough

Author: NRMADate: 08 May 2008

Today's crackdown by the Petrol Commissioner on Coles shows the benefits of having a full-time Petrol Commissioner, but more powers may be needed if he is to make the industry fairer and more transparent.

NRMA Motoring & Services President, Alan Evans, said the Petrol Commissioner was clearly not shy about catching and shaming petrol retailers behaving badly, but he should also take up the Federal Government’s offer of more powers if needed.

"The NRMA fought hard to have the petrol inquiry and a full-time Petrol Commissioner appointed because we could see the damage high petrol prices was doing to our members, the community and Australia’s economy," Mr Evans said.

"The NRMA is pleased the Petrol Commissioner is not afraid to call the petrol giants on their poor behaviour, it’s why we worked to have the role created.

"Our fear is that naming and shaming won’t be enough to bring about change.

"The NRMA has been at war with the oil companies for four years and I believe they have grown immune to negative press.

"Oil companies love their profits - money is the only language they speak - so it’s about time we go after their hip-pockets when they’re caught doing the wrong thing."

The NRMA believes consideration should be given to expanding the Petrol Commissioner’s powers so that he can:

  • Force oil companies to drop their prices when they are over-inflated
  • Force oil companies to artificially keep their prices down to compensate motorists who have been over-charged
  • Fine oil companies

"NRMA believes there is scope for some price relief at the high-end of the weekly cycle - such as today, with average prices in Sydney at a record high of 153.9," Mr Evans said.

"The Petrol Commissioner has done well to catch and shame Coles for their over-pricing; he now needs the powers to do something about it."

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