LAUNCESTON has been chosen as the second regional city to have its petrol prices thrust under the microscope by the consumer watchdog. ACCC chairman Rod Sims said this morning that Launceston petrol costs were among the most expensive in Australia, and 12 cents per litre higher than the five largest capital cities. ''This differential has doubled since 2009-10,'' Mr Sims said. ''We also believe the Launceston study will shed light on a range of petrol pricing issues in Tasmania generally.'' The in-depth analysis, which started today, will probe prices paid at the bowser and track costs along the supply chain. Companies at every point of the chain will be required to provide information to the ACCC. The watchdog is also calling on information from consumers, industry participants, stakeholders and other interested parties. A full report on the Launceston market study is expected to be published by the end of this year. ''These regional fuel market studies are about ensuring transparency about the key drivers of regional petrol prices,'' Mr Sims said. ''They have the potential to empower regional communities and various levels of government with information and recommendations that assist their decision-making. ''We may also uncover a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act that was not otherwise apparent,'' he said. Darwin was announced as the first location for the regional study in March, with a third and final site expected to be announced in coming months.
LAUNCESTON has been chosen as the second regional city to have its petrol prices thrust under the microscope by the consumer watchdog.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said this morning that Launceston petrol costs were among the most expensive in Australia, and 12 cents per litre higher than the five largest capital cities.
''This differential has doubled since 2009-10,'' Mr Sims said.
''We also believe the Launceston study will shed light on a range of petrol pricing issues in Tasmania generally.''
The in-depth analysis, which started today, will probe prices paid at the bowser and track costs along the supply chain.
Companies at every point of the chain will be required to provide information to the ACCC.
The watchdog is also calling on information from consumers, industry participants, stakeholders and other interested parties.
A full report on the Launceston market study is expected to be published by the end of this year.
''These regional fuel market studies are about ensuring transparency about the key drivers of regional petrol prices,'' Mr Sims said.
''They have the potential to empower regional communities and various levels of government with information and recommendations that assist their decision-making.
''We may also uncover a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act that was not otherwise apparent,'' he said.
Darwin was announced as the first location for the regional study in March, with a third and final site expected to be announced in coming months.
