LESS PETROL

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1944, Page 4

LESS PETROL

Check-up of Licenses

TO STOP UNESSENTIAL USE.

P.A. WELLINGTON, .May IS. The Oil Fuel Controller has been directed to carry out a comprehensive review of the petrol licenses issued, to commercial and other users. This was announced this evening by the Minister of Supply and Munitions, Hon. D. G. Sullivan. He said that the present stock position, together witn the future suply position, has made a general check over of petrol consumption really necessary. “Recent advices, both from England and America, indicate that the supply position is becoming more difficult as time goes on,” said the’M.nister “and I am sure that the public will realise that the demands of the impending operations in Europe will be of enormous proportions. Tne Government has been requested to conserve the supplies of petrol by restricting its use to essential purposes, as far as mav be practicable, in order that every nossible gallon may be available for war use. The proposed review is intended to ensure that licenses meet the essential minimum requirements only, and that consumption will be reduced by eliminating non-essent’al use, rather than by imposing definite cuts on a percentage basis. Licensees must expect ■to make some sacrifice, but I am confident that any .reductions will be accepted in the knowledge that sucn sacrif ces are absolutely necessary to the winning of the war, especially m view of the impending operations in Europe.”