PETROL SALES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 48, 27 February 1933, Page 8

PETROL SALES

BIG.DROP IN SOME CASES

EFFECT OF TAX INCREASE

NEXT YEAR'S LICENCES?

Inquiries made at various petrol service stations in and near the city show that the fluctuations in sales of petrol have been quite remarkable as between different stations. Of two of the largest stations in the outer areas one reports a drop in sales for last week of 30 per cent., and the other almost exactly 50 per cent. The proprietors of two other big city stations, however, state that business was on about the same level as for a normal week before the additional tax was imposed, though, of course, well below that of the good times, past for the time being. ; Figures for the issue of drivers' licences aro rather surprising, in view of the general impression that cars are not on the road. The highest figure reached in Wellington, two years ago, was 14,280, and so far this year, with two more months to go, over 13,000 licences have been issued. The probability is that there will be few additional issues during the remaining two months, and that there will be a heavy fall in re-vegistrations after May. One effect of the higher price of motor fuel is already noticeable; it is a quite marked increase in Sunday travelling, for the man who uses his car simply for pleasure feels disinclined to run about during- the week, but on Sunday gives himself and his family an extended treat to make up for his determination through the week not to buy petrol. "But," remarked the service station proprietor who remarked upon this good Sunday business, "whether he is doing this to make the most of his present licence and whether he will jib at next year's registration fee and licence to burn dearer petrol is what we are wondering about.?'