LOW BENZINE STOCKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17347, 19 December 1919, Page 8

LOW BENZINE STOCKS.

I NON-ARRIVAL OF CARGOES. AMERICAN SHIPS DELAYED. POSITION IN AUCKLAND. There is a shortage of benzine in Auckland at present, and it is feared that unless fresh supplies arrive from America in . the near future consumers will be confronted with the necessity of rigidly . economising their stocks, while those who have not accumulated reserve supplies , may find it extremely difficult to fill their , requirements till further stocks' arrive from overseas. Prominent importers of benzine stated yesterday that the shortage was due' to the non-arrival of ships from America -that were due to reach Dominion ports in November and December. Owing to industrial troubles in the United States, the departure of "all vessels from American ports to New Zealand has been delayed for several weeks, and further supplies of oil are not expected till January,* It was stated that prior to the present break in the shipping connection oil cargoes had been coming to hand satisfactorily, and the opinion was expressed that there was probably sufficient benzine stored to meet urgent requirements until further supplies come to hand. • In reference to the price of .benzine, it is stated that this is still governed by Order-in-Council, the maximum charge being 27s- 6d a case.