TASMANIA'S peak motoring, business and community groups are hopeful a probe into Launceston's fuel trade will drive down stubbornly high petrol prices. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into prices paid at Northern bowsers. ACCC chairman Rod Sims described Launceston petrol costs as one of the biggest anomalies in Australia, with motorists shelling out 12¢ a litre more than their counterparts in most capital cities. The consumer watchdog will dispatch petrol specialists to Launceston within days, tasked with extracting details from importers, transporters, distributors and retailers on their costs and profits. Mr Sims said information on where money is being made along the supply chain will allow the watchdog to take action. "It's possible but perhaps unlikely that we could find collusion among sellers in breach of the Competition and Consumer Act," Mr Sims said. "There could also be some policy changes we could recommend to state and local governments." "Or it might be that simply shining a light on individuals making high profits will see an adjustment in their behaviour," he said. RACT spokesman Darren Moody said the process may well uncover uncompetitive price gouging. "While the ACCC don't have the power to regulate the cost of fuel they have the power to name-and-shame those who aren't doing the right thing," Mr Moody said. Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said there was no logical explanation underpinning the price disparity. "Many inquiries around the nation have failed in the past," Mr Bailey said. "I hope the ACCC quickly finds a solution and brings to an end an expensive and frustrating attack on the pockets of the Tasmanian community." Tasmanian Council of Social Services chief executive Tony Reidy said high fuel prices disproportionately affected those on low incomes or relying on benefits. "If the inquiry can bring about any relief in the form of a decrease in petrol prices it will be a boost for disadvantaged Tasmanian households," he said. State and federal Tasmanian MPs have also welcomed the inquiry. A full report on the Launceston market study is expected to be published by the end of this year.
TASMANIA'S peak motoring, business and community groups are hopeful a probe into Launceston's fuel trade will drive down stubbornly high petrol prices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an in-depth investigation into prices paid at Northern bowsers.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims described Launceston petrol costs as one of the biggest anomalies in Australia, with motorists shelling out 12¢ a litre more than their counterparts in most capital cities.
The consumer watchdog will dispatch petrol specialists to Launceston within days, tasked with extracting details from importers, transporters, distributors and retailers on their costs and profits.
Mr Sims said information on where money is being made along the supply chain will allow the watchdog to take action.
"It's possible but perhaps unlikely that we could find collusion among sellers in breach of the Competition and Consumer Act," Mr Sims said.
"There could also be some policy changes we could recommend to state and local governments."
"Or it might be that simply shining a light on individuals making high profits will see an adjustment in their behaviour," he said.
RACT spokesman Darren Moody said the process may well uncover uncompetitive price gouging.
"While the ACCC don't have the power to regulate the cost of fuel they have the power to name-and-shame those who aren't doing the right thing," Mr Moody said.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said there was no logical explanation underpinning the price disparity.
"Many inquiries around the nation have failed in the past," Mr Bailey said.
"I hope the ACCC quickly finds a solution and brings to an end an expensive and frustrating attack on the pockets of the Tasmanian community."
Tasmanian Council of Social Services chief executive Tony Reidy said high fuel prices disproportionately affected those on low incomes or relying on benefits.
"If the inquiry can bring about any relief in the form of a decrease in petrol prices it will be a boost for disadvantaged Tasmanian households," he said.
State and federal Tasmanian MPs have also welcomed the inquiry.
A full report on the Launceston market study is expected to be published by the end of this year.
