PETROL PRICES.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18405, 12 August 1931, Page 6

PETROL PRICES.

NQ REDUCTION LOCALLY. FREIGHT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Although the wholesale price of petrol has fallen by id per gallon, the retail price in Hamilton Is to remain as hitherto—that is first grade 2s and second is lid. In Auckland benzine Is now selling at is lid first and is lOd second grade. When questioned as to why the penny reduction was not to be passed on to the consumer, a leading Hamilton benzine dealer explained that the freight on each gallon of benzine between Auckland and Hamilton was 2 3-Bd. Owing to the keenness of competition In the past local dealers had actually been selling at a loss when the’ expenses of bowser attendants was taken Into consideration. They recouped part of this loss by paying for their supplies fortnightly. Benzine had all along teen sold in Hamilton at Auckland prices, but now that the wholesalers had dropped prices by one the local dealers considered they were entitled to retain this tp_, In part, make up the losses on underselling In the past.

“ This Is quite legitimate," said the speaker, .for the people of Hamilton are still getting their spirit at lid lower than they should compared with prices in Auckland plus the freight."