DRIVERS right across the Far South Coast, as well as on the Monaro, are paying more to fill up at the bowser than their counterparts in Canberra and many other centres across NSW.
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Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy has written to Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims asking him to investigate why the Bega Valley's petrol prices are so high.
Dr Hendy has also taken up the issue with the Treasurer, Joe Hockey.
"This issue was kicked off with high prices in Batemans Bay and Cooma, however, high fuel prices in the Bega Valley are just as much an issue," Dr Hendy said.
The Australian Institute of Petroleum's survey of fuel prices in towns across Australia revealed that Bega Valley motorists were paying 23 cents a litre on average more than drivers in Sydney, he said.
"That simply cannot be attributed to transport and storage costs outside the metropolitan area," Dr Hendy said.
He wants the ACCC to investigate the reasons behind the price discrepancy and also if there is collusion between outlets.
"What I said to him [Mr Sims] is if he is looking at fuel prices in specific regions I would like our region to be included," he said.
The institute's findings were backed up by a survey by Fairfax Media newspapers - including the Bega District News - over the weekend.
The Woolworths Caltex in Gipps St, Bega, was selling unleaded for 125.9 cents a litre this week after dropping several cents over the weekend.
The BDN’s Facebook readers chipped in with prices around the region on Tuesday, including unleaded for $1.41 a litre at Cobargo, about $1.29 at Eden and $1.27 in Merimbula - and even as high as 144.9cpl for diesel in Bombala.
The best options locally appeared to be Tathra’s two independent outlets, which were selling unleaded this week for $1.22 (Enhance) and $1.18 (Bendy Kate’s) – but the town had reportedly run out of diesel.
However, in the Canberra suburb of Majura Park, Caltex was charging 101.7 cents a litre for unleaded petrol (97.7 cents discounted) on Saturday.
Meanwhile, skyrocketing fuel prices in Cooma have prompted the state Member for Monaro, John Barilaro, to seek the Federal Government’s help in protecting locals from being ripped off at the bowser.
"It’s an absolute disgrace that people in the Monaro are being pummelled at the pump and made to pay more than other regional town in NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
"Why should Cooma locals have to pay 30 cents more than people living in Sydney and almost 20 cents more than Canberra motorists; it hurts and it’s unfair.
"I'm calling on the federal minister and the ACCC to investigate the disparity between country and metropolitan service stations and those big oil companies.
“We shouldn’t need an independent fuel supplier in Cooma to ensure that the price is fair, that’s the job of the ACCC (Australian Consumer and Competition Commission) and the Federal Government needs to take action to improve the current situation.
“It’s time we stop big business fuel chains cheating hard working families.”
According to the ACCC, average city prices fell by around 35 cents from July to January whereas the gap between city and country increased from 5.7 cents to 17 cents per litre, he said.
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