CONTROLLING PETROL DISTRIBUTION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1474, 25 July 1918, Page 31

CONTROLLING PETROL DISTRIBUTION.

AMPLE SUPPLIES EXPECTED. Interviewed regarding the new scheme for the control of petrol, the members of the Board of Trade stated that the large importing companies had loyally observed the agreement entered into, and had not increased their prices without the board’s consent. Despite the fact that statistics showed that the import of explosive oils into the Dominion was well above the average, continual complaints were made that grave shortages existed, and the retail prices were frequently advanced, reaching in some localities as high as 50s. per case, whilst 425. per case (the wholesale price of which was 235. Bd., approximately 245.) was frequently paid. As a consequence the board arranged with the large companies to control distribution, and to give preference of supplies to essential users, but as retail prices continued to fluctuate, and there was evidence of hoarding, both by retail distributors and by consumers, the board recommended the Government to control the trade by regulations gazetted under the War Regulations Act, and to fix the maximum retail price. It should be emphasised that there is nothing to prevent selling at lower prices than those gazetted. It will be a penal offence for anyone, under the regulations, to order or obtain possession of a quantity of petrol which exceeds his average four-week-ly requirements, and any holder at present storing petrol will be penalised under the regulations for obtaining supplies in excess of essential requirements for a four-weekly period.

It is expected as a result of the control that there, will be ample petrol supplies, not only for essential users, but for those using their own cars for business and pleasure purposes. During the five months of the year, despite the shortage of shipping space, more petrol has been imported into the Dominion than during any like period in previous years, and the board further consider that for the remaining months of the year, providing nothing unforeseen happens, supplies will come steadily to hand.