Maitland motorists, it appears you were right.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In May, the Mercury asked whether you thought the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission inquiry into petrol prices would bring about a reduction in Maitland costs.
Of those who responded to our online poll, 71 per cent said no.
Six weeks later the ACCC confirmed there is nothing it could, or would, do to address Maitland’s high fuel prices.
It appears we are on our own.
This is despite the fact NRMA data confirmed our fuel prices have been between five and 25 cents a litre more expensive than Sydney prices since January this year.
The ACCC told the Mercury yesterday that high prices in themselves were not evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.
The commission instead stressed that fuel prices were set by participants in the market.
Well, guess what, Maitlanders? As consumers, we are market participants. And it is up to us to monitor this situation, share the news and vote with our feet.
Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore summed it up here: “Either cop the price or drive away with your dollar to where you believe you are getting the best deal.”
The Mercury thinks Cr Blackmore has got it right and, as such, is launching its own Petrol Price Watch, to help motorists exert market pressure.
We’re calling on you, our Maitland readers and motorists, to help us inform the community. Where is petrol least expensive? Where does it cost most?
Email your findings to the editor at enesmith@themercury.com.au, leave a comment on our Facebook page or post your observations on our Petrol Price Watch page at maitlandmercury.com.au
We’ll update it daily.
Together we can make a difference.