For Immediate Release 2 September 2003
AA Petrol Watch 2003
AA Petrol Watch observed that petrol prices at the pump continued to rise during August, despite relative stability (and
at times some decline) in world oil prices, and a continuing strong New Zealand dollar. The nation-wide average price
for 91 Octane rose to 109.5 cents per litre in the last week of August, compared with July’s average of 106.5 cents per
litre, and June’s average of 99.5 cents per litre.
Diesel prices also rose during August, with the nation-wide average price of diesel increasing to 62.5 cents per litre
in the last week of the month, compared with July’s average price of 60.5 cents per litre.
The Automobile Association again today raised its continued concern about rising prices at the pump.
Feedback received by the Association indicates that motorists are becoming very wary of fuel price increases at this
time, especially after having weathered the inevitable price increases during the earlier months of this year, when
there was conflict in the Middle East.
“Motorists are expecting to see clear price competition at the pump, rather than the companies simply following each
other in a regular manner whenever a change in price occurs, whatever the reasons given. There is also concern that some
companies are increasing their prices without making any prior nation-wide media announcement to motorists, giving them
no chance to fill their tanks to avoid increased fuel costs” said Mr George Fairbairn, AA Director of Public Affairs.
AA Petrol Watch will continue to monitor fuel prices and report on them regularly, scrutinising the reasons given to
justify any changes to fuel prices.
Ends.