Gull predicts queues at pumps and uncertainty for businesses

Gull predicts queues at pumps and uncertainty for businesses thanks to hurried Regional Fuels Tax legislation

Auckland, 25 June 2018 10am

Gull today expressed concerns over rushed Regional Fuels Tax legislation that carries negative implications for both Kiwi motorists and a range of commercial fuel-using businesses.

The Auckland Regional Fuels Tax will be confirmed in law from 1 July if the final reading of the Regional Fuels Tax bill is passed in Parliament tomorrow and the legislation gains royal assent.

This will legislate a price increase for petrol and diesel of 11.5 cents per litre including GST from that point in Auckland.

Gull General Manager, Dave Bodger commented, “As always Gull will ensure our prices are as competitive as possible and we will hold our prices down as long as possible. Unfortunately, a legislated increase of this magnitude will be passed on to motorists, and we apologise in advance for expected queues at the pump in the days prior.”

Bodger noted his sympathy for commercial fuel users, saying, “The imposition of this tax has been hurried. It is not acceptable that businesses that rely on fuel such as commercial vessels, market gardeners, subdivision and roading developers do not know yet if they qualify for an “off road” rebate for the tax or how they may process it.

“I understand the regulations are due tomorrow, however these appear to have been produced in a government vacuum. I understand no one from industry has been able to proof them or make comment as yet. What happens if they contain errors, are unworkable, or overlook certain industries who use fuel? Unfortunately this could be a mess that business must tidy up following the hurried legislation. My concern is that business will have to wear a major cost increase until matters are rectified. Uncertainty and greater costs could potentially be passed on to consumers, which is not a great state of affairs."

Gull’s average retail prices in the Auckland area are:

Gull Regular (91 Octane) 2.071

Gull Force 10 (98 Octane) 2.222

Gull Diesel 1.371

Gull’s best Auckland price is currently available at Titirangi and is as follows:

Gull Regular (91 Octane) $1.990

Gull Force 10 (98 Octane) 2.140

Gull Diesel 1.280

** Prices applicable at sites where Gull controls the retail prices.

ENDS

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