Greater Bendigo Mayor Peter Cox is encouraging the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to use new powers to conduct an investigation into fuel prices in Greater Bendigo.
The added investigative clout given to the ACCC by the Federal Government late last year enables the agency to launch investigations into specific regions where there have been unexplained high fuel prices.
In a letter sent to ACCC Chair Rod Sims, Cr Cox cites high petrol prices in Greater Bendigo over the Christmas/New Year period as an example of unexplained high prices.
“Under new Federal Government powers given to the ACCC, I hope the agency will consider the Greater Bendigo area for a ‘deep dive’ investigation as there does not appear to be an explanation for the high prices.
“Many motorists are saying is it very unfair that they are missing out on the full benefits flowing from the worldwide fall in oil prices.
“I request that a plain English statement regarding why there is such a large difference in fuel prices between Greater Bendigo and metropolitan Melbourne, especially in a period when many country drivers have to travel long distances to fulfil family Christmas obligations.”
Fuel prices in Melbourne on Tuesday December 30 varied between 112.7 cents per litre and 116.9 cents per litre for unleaded petrol, while in Bendigo they ranged from 126.3 cents a litre to 130.1 cents a litre.
