04 November 2010 Media Statement

Brownlee’s gone quiet on petrol prices

Labour Leader Phil Goff says Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee has gone silent on the issue of fuel prices after making a big song and dance about them shortly after National won the last election.

“Back then Gerry Brownlee, purporting to be the friend of motorists, was urging oil companies to drop their prices,” Phil Goff said.
“But now he’s gone silent despite the strength of the New Zealand dollar meaning that savings should be passed on to consumers.”
Phil Goff said he agreed with the Automobile Association that the price should be dropped, after it rose 11cents last month on the back of hikes in GST, the excise tax and the price of oil globally.
“Now that the strong dollar means it’s cheaper to import oil, the price should be coming down again.

“Kiwi families are struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet. A drop in petrol prices by even a few cents could make a big difference.

“Gerry Brownlee’s voice isn’t there when Kiwi families need it.”

ENDS

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