Fuel Price Gouging
IN (The Examiner, March 26) Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers chief executive Mark McKenzie responded to community angst regarding the very slow response of retailers to pass on the significant oil price reductions.
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He said, "it's important to remember that fuel can sit in the ground in a service station, particularly low volume sites, for two weeks which means that today's wholesale price is not the price that the servo paid for the fuel that is in the ground". Let's say there has been a period of low oil prices which is finally reflected at the pump but then the oil price goes up. Almost immediately the servo price goes up even though the fuel in the ground was paid for at the cheaper price. It's called price gouging and despite all the spin from the industry, the motorists know they are being ripped off. It's time the industry stopped insulting our intelligence.
Barry Oliver, Newnham.
Inner-City Living
A SUGGESTION that the City of Launceston council should encourage the conversion of shops in Elizabeth Street to residential apartments has become even more desirable given the effects of COVID-19 on retail outlets. Many shops have closed and a number of them will never reopen. Conversion to residential will have the benefits of reviving inner Launceston, concentrating retail in a smaller area and reducing the depressing sight of empty shops.
Come on, give it a go.
Ross Waining, Youngtown.
Council Job Reduction
WHAT an opportunity to reduce the number of councils! Reduce the number of municipalities, fewer mayors, fewer councillors, fewer general managers, fewer managers but retain the number of workers. The reduction in administrative overheads will help balance deficits and save more essential jobs.
Ross Grange, Hillwood.
Roads and Tracks
DID you know that Reatta Road beyond the TasWater treatment plant is a public road managed by Parks and Wildlife?
Not only have the tracks in the recreation area been closed, but we are also not allowed to walk on the road. On an average early morning walk, I would meet no more than three other people walking or riding.
I'm certain I'm not the only person who finds such pastimes a good way to maintain positive mental health but also to keep up a moderate level of physical fitness. This is surely one of the least justifiable steps the government has taken to restrict our lives.
Tina Pinkard, Trevallyn.
Trump's top Priorities
OH MY God! What a brilliant cartoon by Pope (The Examiner, March 26). It just shows what Trump's priorities are. I saw a segment on TV of little three and four-year-olds warning of the virus and what we have to do and that it won't just go away. To me, this proves that the average toddler has a superior intellect to the American President. But then we already knew that.
Richard Hill, Newstead.
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