EDITORIAL –
The rising cost of living is becoming increasingly burdensome for many individuals.
In recent months, the Central Coast has witnessed a significant surge in fuel prices, affecting various areas to varying degrees.
This situation prompts inquiries that should be addressed by both corporations and governments, which are reaping higher revenues.
The pricing of petroleum products is intricate, influenced by factors such as the global crude oil spot price, currency fluctuations, distribution expenses, retailer profit margins and state and federal taxes.
The recent price increases are purportedly driven by the weakening value of the Australian dollar, as the nation has become more reliant on fuel imports due to decades of reduced support for local production.
These short-sighted policies have left us more vulnerable to price hikes and supply disruptions.
Local consumers are adopting strategies to curtail their weekly fuel expenses, including monitoring live prices, exploring alternative transport options like buses and bikes and transitioning to fully electric or fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles.
Coast Community News has maintained a live fuel price page on its website for many years, powered by data from the NSW government’s Fuel Check initiative, accessible at – coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast-fuel-prices-live/
A casual examination of fuel prices by motorists reveals that major retailers like Coles and Woolworths consistently charge more per litre than independent outlets.
Fortunately, the presence of independent retailers in any area tends to drive down fuel prices, underscoring the effectiveness of competition in many cases.
However, for over a decade, fuel prices in specific locations on the Coast have remained 5-15 per cent higher than in the region’s primary areas.
State and Federal MPs have attempted in vain to address evident disparities in some local suburbs most notably Budgewoi and Woy Woy/Umina.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) appears to be incapable of initiating investigations or actions on this matter.
Some individuals are now leaving their cars at home more frequently.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Coast residents participated in the national ride-to-work day, and a notable trend was the increasing use of electric-assisted bicycles across the region.
Others are opting for public transportation more frequently.
While train services are generally reliable, the same cannot be said for specific bus and ferry services in the region.
The Palm Beach ferry service has faced disruptions for months in an unending effort to resume the popular service.
Local bus services remain a mystery for many residents, with oversized buses going down narrow streets to pick up just a few informed passengers.
Fortunately, the NSW Government is reviewing these services and holding a feedback session this week in Gosford.
There’s a noticeable increase in the use of electric cars on local roads, offering substantial cost savings to those who can afford to reduce their transportation expenses.
In Killcare, a local community is organising to assist residents in connecting their house solar systems and cars to power their homes and transportation at minimal or no cost.
While these initiatives are positive, we must remain vigilant concerning corporations and governments that allow price increases to impact the broader population.
David Abrahams – Managing Editor
petrol on the CC is Alessandro at least 20c to 30c per litre dearer than in Sydney. Having looked just now (Fri night 20/10), the Premium 98 can be purchased in the majority of Sydney servos for between $1.95 and $2.07. However, we here on the Centralia Coast are being gouges another 30c minimum on top of that. I put thus large discrepancy down to pure and simple greed of the CC petrol station proprieters, pure and simple. The prices referred to above were sourced from the NSW FuelCheck app.