Media Release

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter has spoken to the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about North Queensland’s high petrol and diesel bowser prices, following much anger in the community.

Chairman Rod Sims told Mr Katter the ACCC were very concerned and not happy about the situation, however it would be hard for them to get involved unless there was an actual breach of the law - and the current situation is falling short of that.

Mr Katter said the only option left was for motorists to boycott Coles and Woolworths’ service stations en masse, as those companies were charging the highest prices in North Queensland towns like Innisfail, Cairns and Townsville.

As of Wednesday (22/04/2020), Coles and Woolworths service stations were charging the highest prices for unleaded petrol in Townsville. Coles Express Currajong was at 119.9 cents a litre – 26 cents higher than the RACQ’s fair fuel price.

Mr Katter said he urged everyone to get involved in the boycott against Coles and Woolworths, and that people power would win the day.

“Give your business to the people giving us a fair go,” he said.

“The smaller independents, local owner-operators and Australian-owned United Petroleum are the ones giving us a fair go on the current prices.

“United Petroleum also produces Australian-made petrol and ethanol which is commendable.”

—ENDS—