Time For Talk Is Over - Now Deliver Brown Challenges Anderton

“Talking hard but operating soft” has become the hallmark of the Minister of Development, the Hon Jim Anderton, when referring to the oil companies and their petrol price increases.

New Zealand First Deputy Leader, Mr Peter Brown, today expressed his concern at the petrol price increases that invariably occur at the same time. This appears more than coincidental, and Mr Anderton has frequently inferred it is evidence of a cartel operating.

Mr Brown challenged the Minister to address this issue in a meaningful manner by immediately implementing the inquiry he has so often spoken about.

“Such an inquiry must be transparent enough to assure the public

 that there is or is not collusion among the companies;
 whether the constant price rises are justified;
 that there is genuine competition in the industry; and
 accepting that there are some common cost components, the depth of that competition.

“Further, the Minister should note that if fuel consumption has changed little since the price increases commenced, the government has gained significantly by way of increased GST. This equates to approximately 3 cents per litre. If the Minister is really concerned over the effect of fuel increases, then the government should take action to remove the additional taxation forwith by reducing the excise tax.

“Failure to do address this concern with urgency will merely reinforce the opinion the Minister is long on words and short on action,” concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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