Adelaide motorists paying more to offset losses interstate: RAA
Adelaide motorists paying more to offset losses interstate: RAA
Service stations have started running dry as the fuel shortage hits Adelaide, but a leading motoring body claims local motorists are being stung at the bowser to help offset losses interstate.
Petrol prices peaked in South Australia leading into the long weekend, but six days later, many outlets are still selling for $1.54 a litre.
In the eastern states, prices are around $1.40 per litre.
The shortage is part of the fallout of a national crackdown on a major fuel transporter following a fatal crash in Sydney last week.
The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) claims oil giants are trying to offset their losses in the eastern states by stinging Adelaide motorists.
“What we don’t want to see is for these large national companies to be trying to make profit on the less fuel they’re making, such as in Adelaide, to alleviate the lost profits interstate,” Chris West from the RAA said.
“We are seeing some of the larger retailers remain at the top point, we would encourage motorists to avoid these sites and instead shop around.”
The cheapest 7News could find was at Cavan where regular unleaded at $1.42.5 a litre.
Both Shell and BP said the markets are independent.
They are the two companies worst affected by the fuel shortages resulting from a safety crackdown on haulage giant Cootes.
It follows a fiery crash in Sydney last week that killed two men.
Minor supply interruptions were reported in Adelaide today, but the eastern states remain hardest hit.
Despite 71 Cootes trucks being grounded in Victoria after 190 were inspected – the South Australian Government did not intervene with the local fleet.
The company was left to voluntarily conduct safety checks.
Of its 40 vehicles, 15 remain off the road and it is unclear when they will return.
The Transport Minister would not comment today, but the industry says the truck maintenance scheme needs an overhaul.
Petrol has started running dry in Adelaide following a continuing national safety crackdown on a major fuel transporter.
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) said the major fuel companies are adding insult to injury by stinging local motorists to compensate for a shortfall in eastern states revenue.
