Qld: Fuel companies accused of "predator'' pricing

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2006
Qld: Fuel companies accused of "predator'' pricing

One of Queensland's largest independent service station groups will outline its concerns
at the state Senate inquiry into the nation's petrol pricing today.

Matilda Fuel Supplies retail manager .. LAWRENCE O'KEEFE .. wants the power to set
maximum petrol prices returned to the competition watchdog.

The inquiry will sit at Matilda's Roadhouse at Kybong .. 14 kilometres south of Gympie.

Mr O'KEEFE says there's more to the rising cost of fuel than high crude oil prices.

He's accused major suppliers .. including Caltex and BP .. of setting higher prices
at the refinery to force out independent service stations .. calling the practice predator
pricing.

But Caltex denies the allegation .. saying independent providers are able to purchase
fuel at the company's wholesale price.

AAP RTV ews/sc/ibw/cp/es

KEYWORD: FUEL PRICING (BRISBANE)

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