Across the Central Coast, an intriguing pattern has emerged in fuel pricing, with a notable disparity impacting residents and businesses alike.
Central to this issue is the persistent price elevation of approximately 15 per cent on the Woy Woy Peninsula, a situation that raises questions about market dynamics and competitive practices in the area.
Smaller, independent petrol stations are playing a pivotal role in this landscape.
These outlets, often seen as the underdogs in a market dominated by major players, have been instrumental in providing competitive pricing.
Their presence is particularly felt in areas away from the Woy Woy Peninsula, where they offer lower prices and thus keep the market in check.
However, their impact seems to be less pronounced on the Peninsula itself, where prices remain stubbornly high.
This price elevation on the Woy Woy Peninsula is not just a matter of a few cents – it translates to significant additional costs for consumers.
For instance, a regular commuter or a small business reliant on transportation faces increased operational costs, which can ripple through to impact service pricing and living expenses.
The reasons behind this price elevation are complex, involving factors like logistics, demographics and very possibly less competitive pressure.
Politicians of all stripes have tried and failed to address the issue.
The ACCC and NSW Fair Trading have also proved to be powerless or unwilling to exert any influence.
Clearly the role of independent stations in mitigating these price differences cannot be overstated.
Their competitive pricing elsewhere in the Central Coast region demonstrates the potential for lower fuel prices.
It highlights the importance of supporting these smaller players as they contribute to a more balanced and fair fuel market.
CCN has reported on the fuel pricing scenario on the Central Coast for many years, especially the high prices on the Woy Woy Peninsula, which clearly is a multifaceted issue.
(See our list of historical stories here)
While independent petrol stations offer a glimmer of hope through competitive pricing, there is a real need for further investigation and possible intervention to ensure fair pricing for all residents in the region.
Surely a cause for our local parliamentary representatives?
Until then the situation underscores the importance of market diversity and the critical role smaller entities play in ensuring competitive fairness.
CCN has published live fuel prices on our website as a community service for years.
The data is collected through NSW Fair Trading’s data sets, which are input from the service stations themselves by law.