It’s surely no coincidence that petrol prices have shot up over the school holidays.
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Yes, we acknowledge that oil prices have risen and so too has the Australian dollar against the greenback. But it’s not the entire reason for a steep hike in the cost of both unleaded and E10 fuel.
As Leon Oberg says in today’s story, it is simple “gouging,” taking advantage of motorists at a peak time – and when some can least afford it.
E10 was introduced into the Australian market as an environmentally friendly alternative, with its 10 per cent ethanol blend. It was touted to reduce carbon emissions by up to 30pc.
This state has an ethanol mandate and about 18pc of motorists use it, compared to 22pc using unleaded.
Many consumers steered toward E10 fuel because it was cheaper. Now it’s only marginally less than unleaded 91 fuel, thanks to a big price hike.
Since last August, E10 has risen from an average 110 cents per litre to 131c/l across NSW. This week’s average is a 12-month high, according to Fuel Check.
Fuel companies have adopted their usual head-in-the-sand attitude and refuse to explain the differential.
Authorities such as the NRMA and ACCC have also become toothless tigers in holding them to account.
The only option for the powerless motorist is to shop around for the cheapest deal. There are several valuable websites at our disposal to do so, including Fuel Check.
Sadly, the only relief in sight may the end of school holidays.
RFS always hot to trot
We’re amazed and grateful there hasn’t been a serious fire incident in the Southern Tablelands this summer.
This doesn’t mean it’s been a quiet holiday for our Rural Fire Service and other emergency personnel, though.
Some grass fires and highway horror scenes have kept these selfless volunteers on their toes and hose taps.
So we’re amazed by and grateful for their continuing commitment to such a civic sense of essential duty.
While the mercury has been high this week, many of us will have been thankful to hole up in air conditioning.
But there’s no such comfort for the men and women taking the fight against fires to the frontline in heavy gear.
You deserve congrats and a cool drink!