We welcome the announcement by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today that Armidale will be the third regional location for its petrol pricing 'deep dive'.
In December 2014, the Abbott Government empowered the ACCC to conduct 'deep dives' into specific markets that it believed to require closer and more specific examination. The ACCC conduct these investigations in areas where it has identified perceived irregularities in the fuel market that has potential detriment to local motorists.
The identification of Armidale as a site for further investigation is in response to legitimate community concern and local information that has been passed on to Minister Joyce and to the ACCC.
This is the third 'deep dive' announced by the ACCC- The Commission commenced its first regional market study in Darwin in March 2015 and its second in Launceston in May 2015. It expects to report on these market studies by the end of this year.
We urge local residents to share their experiences as consumers with the ACCC. The Commission is interested in obtaining information from consumers, industry participants, stakeholders and any other interested parties regarding the petroleum industry in Armidale. Relevant information can be provided to the ACCC via its website at the consultation hub by 31 October 2015.