Climbing fuel price still yet to peak

www.examiner.com.au By MICHAEL STEDMAN , Wednesday, 19 February 2003   COMMON CENTS:Liberty at Legana was 10c cheaper than stations in the city yesterday.(1/2)

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Tasmania's record high fuel prices have not reached their peak according to Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce general manager Malcolm Little. Mr Little was unable to predict how far the prices could rise but speculation suggests they could reach anywhere between $1.10 and $1.20 a litre. "The cause of the price rise is self evident and well publicised as a combination of the international reaction to war in Iraq and the general strike in Venezuela. What is less evident is how far prices will rise," Mr Little said. "The light side is that the strike in Venezuela has ceased which should bring relief in future though when we will see that, again we can't be sure." Residents in Legana were given some relief at least with the opening of the Liberty petrol station yesterday. As an opening special petrol was 93.7c a litre. In most areas of Launceston, however, prices were around $1.03. Mr Little said he was unsure if the price rise in fuel had been created in part by oil companies. "I have no evidence to suggest that but I have no evidence against it. Certainly oil companies are adept to making the most of international situations."

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