Fuel-less Labour Day

Press, 2 August 1979, Page 1

Fuel-less Labour Day

PA Wellington Service stations would not be open for petrol sales during Labour Day weekend, said the Minister of Energy (Mr Birch) yesterday. Efforts to save petrol had not been sufficient to justify allowing sales. Port “off-takes” of motor spirits since the beginning of March were about 2 per cent below the 1978 levels. In addition, the previous 1979 growth rate of 2 per cent to 3 per cent had been eroded and net savings were about 4 per cent to

5 per cent. This corresponded with indicated savings of 5 per cent, derived from a survey of service-station sales. “It is essential that we achieve a higher level of savings than we have so far, to secure our supplydemand position,” said Mr Birch. He urged motorists to step up their efforts to cut petrol consumption and said there was still plenty Of scope for conservation, such as: — Keeping engines properly tuned.

— Checking tyre pressures regularly. — Staying within the speed limit. — Improving driving techniques, particularly to minimise stop-start driving. — Walking instead of driving short distances, such as to local shops. — Making greater use of public transport where this was available. It was too early to make a decision on whether petrol restraints would be eased during the Christmas holidays.

The Government intended to review the weekend sales ban and earless days at Christmas and New Year in mid-October. “At present we do not have an accurate idea of what the supply position will be around that period and we have, so far, fallen well short of our savings target of 10 per cent,” said Mr Birch. “By mid-October we will know how successfully motorists and other users have responded to the continuing need for fuel savings.”