SUPERMARKET petrol discount dockets may soon be a thing of the past, according to Nationals Senator John Williams.
The Inverell-based politican said he was heartened by comments from Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Rod Sims, who said he was concerned about the impact that shopper docket petrol discounts offered by Coles and Woolworths had on smaller, independent businesses.
Senator Williams said Mr Sims was correct in saying discounts had reached up to 45 cents a litre in some areas, and as a result had an adverse effect on competition.
“All over the country smaller fuel outlets will tell you they are going out the door backwards because they are unable to compete with the escalating discounts,” Senator Williams said.
“It may be good for motorists in the short-term, but when the competition is gone, watch the fuel prices creep up.
“Mr Sims is of the belief that if Coles and Woolworths want to offer customers a discount, it should be off supermarket products, not petrol.
“I totally agree and look forward to the ACCC’s final report later this year.”
