Letter to the Editor
Sydney Morning Herald
20 September 2005
Is it only me, or do others feel that we, as a nation where the largest percentage of the working population drive a vehicle because of the inadequacy of the public transport system, are being manipulated by Governments and Oil Companies?
It seems pretty obvious that our petrol prices are raised, every now and then, to a level that sends us all scurrying inside, leaving our vehicles stationary in our driveways for use only as absolutely necessary.
Once we are all making fewer visits to the bowsers, as if by some miracle, the price drops by as much as 18 cents a litre in less than 24 hours. We all rush to the service stations to fill up, so relieved at the saving we are making.
If you look closely at the situation you will soon realise that the price we are being charged today, averaging in my area between $1.22 and $1.34 a litre, is still, at the lower level, probably 18 cents a litre higher than it was a few weeks back! But we are relieved, we buy petrol again, after all, 18 cents a litre is a huge drop.
We have done exactly what they want us to do. By manipulating the price to an excessive rate, then dropping it back, the powers to be have achieved their aim. To raise prices and get away with it. Will we ever see petrol again below $1.20 a litre? I doubt it.
Vena McGrath
