Petrol boycott gains support as prices rise
Kiwis up in arms over the ever increasing petrol prices and are hoping to control prices by calling for a nationwide petrol boycott.
Thousands feeling the pinch have recently shown their support towards a Wellington mother’s Facebook ‘‘petrol strike’’ event.
Julia Roche said she was fed up with the current petrol prices and was inspired to organise the boycott after seeing one in Australia.
‘‘The differences between the prices here down south and further north – it’s just not justified.
‘‘The petrol companies and the Government are saying it’s out of our hands, it’s the commerce commission, the petrol companies are saying it’s out of their hands. It’s not out of their hands, it’s not at all.’’
The event has been planned for October 26 and 27, and is quickly gaining popularity with more than 16,000 people showing interest.
BP, Z and Gull have said they are trying their best to give the best prices possible, while dealing with pricing factors, like high international oil prices and new taxes.
While the boycott is gaining popularity, Automobile Association petrol pricing spokesman Mark Stockdale said history had shown they did not accomplish much.
‘‘If New Zealanders are concerned about the price of fuel tax ... New Zealanders have to talk – to be making clear to the Government they’re unhappy with the amount of tax that they’re paying on petrol.
‘‘In the past ... people have called for a boycott of fuel companies ... and obviously with social media that’s easy to do.
‘‘Realistically those things have never really had any impact.’’
Hunua MP Andrew Bayly said his region was feeling the struggle just as much as southern regions.
‘‘People who live in communities such as Clevedon, on the Awhitu Peninsula or further afield at Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point are even more vulnerable because they don’t have the public transport options enjoyed by those who live in other parts of the city,’’ Bayly said.
‘‘The fact is if you live in those communities, what are your options if you want to get to work? Zilch.
‘‘I estimate that since the regional fuel tax was introduced on July 1, people in Franklin have been spending an average of $20 a week more on fuel.’’
Transport Minister Phil Twyford said crude oil prices had more of an impact on petrol prices than some of the new petrol taxes.
‘‘Fluctuations in the global crude oil price have a far bigger influence on New Zealand petrol prices than minor excise increases. The international price of crude oil has risen almost 30 per cent this year.
‘‘Fuel taxes pay for vital transport projects. Without them there would be no funding for new roads, road maintenance and road safety.’’
Energy and Resources minister Megan Woods said that because some petrol companies declined to work with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Government was working to give Kiwis a clear behind the scenes picture of petrol prices.
‘‘Kiwis need to have confidence they are getting a fair deal at the pump – but many of the fuel companies refused to co-operate with the MBIE study and hand over their data to provide a clear picture,’’ Woods said. ‘‘That’s why we are progressing legislation that empowers the Commerce Commission to conduct market studies, compel the release of evidence and examine important information on how a market is functioning. That law change is going through Parliament at the moment.’’