Nationwide petrol boycott gains support of thousands

Friday, 5 October 2018

Kiwis up in arms over the ever increasing petrol prices and are hoping to control prices by calling for a nationwide petrol boycott.

Thousands who are feeling the pinch, have recently shown their support towards a Wellington mother's Facebook 'petrol strike' event.

Julia Roche said she was fed up of  the current petrol prices in New Zealand and was inspired to organise the boycott after seeing one in Australia.

'The differences between the prices here down south and further north - it's just not justified.'

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'The petrol companies and the government are saying it's out of our hands, it's the commerce commission, the petrol companies are saying it's out of their hands. It's not out of their hands, it's not at all.'

The event has been planned for October 26 and 27, and is quickly gaining popularity with more than 16,000 people showing their interest in the event. 

BP, Z and Gull have said they were trying their best to give Kiwis best prices possible, while dealing with petrol pricing factors, like high international oil prices and new taxes.

While the nationwide boycott is quickly gaining popularity, AA petrol pricing spokesman Mark Stockdale said history has shown that they did not accomplish much.

'If New Zealanders are concerned about the price of fuel tax … New Zealanders have to talk - to be making clear to the government that they're unhappy with the amount of tax that they're paying on petrol.

'And they don't want the government spending that tax on maintaining and improving our transport systems. And I don't think that's actually what New Zealander's want.

'In the past … people have called for a boycott of fuel companies … and obviously with social media that easy to do. Realistically those things have never really had any impact.'

Hunua MP Andrew Bayly said his region was feeling the struggle just as much as the southern regions of the country.

'People who live in communities such as Clevedon, on the Awhitu Peninsula or further afield at Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point are even more vulnerable because they don't have the public transport options enjoyed by those who live in other parts of the city,' Bayly said.

'The fact is if you live on those communities, what are your options if you want to get to work? Zilch.

'I estimate that since the regional fuel tax was introduced on July 1, people in Franklin have been spending an average of $20 a week more on fuel.'

Transport Minister Phil Twyford said crude oil prices have more of an impact on petrol prices than some of the new petrol taxes.

'Fluctuations in the global crude oil price have a far bigger influence on New Zealand petrol prices than minor excise increases. The international price of crude oil has risen almost 30 per cent this year.

'Fuel taxes pay for vital transport projects. Without them there would be no funding for new roads, road maintenance and road safety.'

Energy and Resources minister Megan Woods said because some petrol companies declined to work with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) the government is working to give kiwis a clear picture of what is happening behind the scenes of petrol prices.

'Kiwis need to have confidence they are getting a fair deal at the pump – but many of the fuel companies refused to co-operate with the MBIE study and hand over their data to provide a clear picture of what's going on,' Woods said.

'That's why we are progressing legislation that empowers the Commerce Commission the ability to conduct market studies, compel the release of evidence and examine important information on how a market is functioning. That law change is going through parliament at the moment.'