PRICE OF PETROL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20898, 30 November 1937, Page 8

PRICE OF PETROL

COMPANIES WISH TO INCREASE By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, November 29. When the House met this altemoon, Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Nationalist, Waitomo), asked the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, following urgent question—“ls the Minister aware that the oil companies Increased the price of petrol by a penny a gallon in Auckland district overnight on November 26 and without prior notification? Is it still competent for oil companies to increase prices and, if it is, when does the Minister propose to give universal application to the Government's policy of price fixation for the distribution and resale of petrol?” Mr Broadfoot added that prices had not varied In areas made subject to price fixation, but there had been earlier examples of increased prices in areas not under fixation. Mr Sullivan, in reply, stated that he was aware of the increase in Auckland. The companies were entitled to increase prices in uncontrolled areas; in fact, prices had been increased a penny a gallon in those areas. The companies had also asked in view of the increased charges if prices could be increased a penny a gallon in controlled areas. This request was at present being considered by the Government.