SALES OF PETROL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20635, 15 August 1941, Page 8

SALES OF PETROL

BIGGER DROP IN TOWNS EFFECT OF RESTRICTIONS RELIEF FOR RESELLERS (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. A sign ot the effect of the restrictions upon the business in petrol, is provided in the report of the Industries and Commerce Department which states that there was a big drop last year in applications for licenses to sell petrol. They totalled 11100 four years ago, but fell last year to 450, of which 193 related to transfers. Very few applications were received to open new selling points, and 53 licenses were surrendered or revoked. Wholesale sales by importers to resellers and commercial users dropped by 20 per cent on the 1939 total. The same percentage drop would apply substantially to retail sales, taken as a whole, but the drop had not spread evenly over all sections of the country. “From the returns,” says the report, “there appears to be no doubt that legitimate resellers, as such, have suffered far greater loss than the general average. This applies more especially to town districts. On the other hand, organisations dealing directly with the farming community seem to have fared very well. In some cases, increases in sales have taken place. Hope For Solution Soon “It would be safe to say, therefore, that the city areas have suffered a far greater cut, relatively, than the country districts. The Petrol Advisory Committee has given consideration to the question of affording some relief to resellers under the present difficult circumstances. The matter has, however, presented difficulties, but certain proposals are being examined. It is hoped to reach some solution shortly. Any suggested remedy may involve amendments to the existing regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry.” During the licensing year just ended licenses had been issued to resellers, totalling 3737. As from April 1, 1941, a new scale of annual license fees had been introduced, affording quite a measure of relief to resellers. The scale was based on a payment of a flat rate of £1 per annum for those operating one pump only, and £2 for those operating two or more pumps.