"Politicians from across the House have succeeded in putting pressure on the oil companies over petrol prices, but where
has Energy Minister Peter Hodgson been?" Opposition Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong said today.
"MPs including myself, the Deputy Prime Minster, Peter Brown and Grant Gillion have been asking why the oil companies
don't seem to drop their prices as quickly as they increase them.
"But it's a bit poor when the Energy Minister sits on his hands and forces the Deputy Prime Minister to come in over his
head to call for a Commerce Commission inquiry.
"It must be frustrating for the Deputy Prime Minister and Grant Gillion to see that, even as Government MPs, the
Minister is showing no sign of listening to them.
"Mr Hodgson has taken a stance of no comment, no action.
"Motorists are entitled to have a Minister who is pro-active and prepared to speak up for them.
"I would still like the Minister to instruct his staff to keep a close watch on prices to ensure that the oil companies
pass on cost reductions as quickly as increases," Mrs Wong said
ENDS