PRICE OF PETROL

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1932, Page 2

PRICE OF PETROL

GOVT. MAY TAKE ACTION. [SPECIAL TO “STAR.”] WELLINGTON, October 14. An assurance that the Government was keeping a close eye on the question of petrol prices in New Zealand, was given by Mr Forbes, in the House to-night, when replying to a question by Mr Fraser. Mr Fraser said that as the result of the recent world-wide agreement between the oil interests, the element of competition would disappear, and if it were possible to increase the price by threepence a gallon by merely sending a cablegram from New York to London, the Prime Minister must be aware of the possibilities of consumers in New Zealand being exploited to meet the position, which was admittedly difficult. The Government could either take over the distribution which would be the best means, or control the prices. “I can assure the House,” replied Mr Forbes, “that the position regarding oil supplies is one the Government will keep a close eye on. Anything in the nature of world-wide monopolj r would be difficult to combat, but we are not going to see the people of New Zealand exploited if it can possibly be avoided. It is a difficult matter, but if we reach the stage of being at the mercy of the combine, the Government will do everything it possibly can to prevent it from operating in New Zea-| land. You can rely on that.” j