Analysis of fuel monitoring data in New Zealand has shown genuine benefits for Kiwi motorists from unstaffed petrol stations in offering savings and bringing down prices.
The Commerce Commission, NZ’s primary competition, fair trading, consumer credit and economic regulatory agency, says the findings show competition at work.
The analysis found areas that include at least one unstaffed fuel station within a five-minute drive have prices that are on average six cents per litre lower than those areas without unstaffed stations – though unstaffed stations run by supermarkets don’t have the same effect on competition.
“Our findings reinforce that unstaffed stations are definitely the way to go for cheaper fuel and anyone who has had one open in their area has probably experienced lower prices,” Commissioner, Bryan Chapple said.
“New Zealanders spend around $10 billion at the fuel pump every year, so even a small reduction in prices can put money back into the pockets of Kiwis.”
Mr Chapple says local councils should be thinking about competition benefits of unstaffed sites in the planning processes and when considering consent applications.
“Ultimately, we see consumers benefiting from an increased number of unstaffed fuel sites, while they also have the option of staffed fuel sites with a wider range of services and retail products if that’s what they need.”
The Commission’s latest analysis follows the issuing of a ‘please explain’ letter to fuel companies in September last year, asking for further information to help account for pricing anomalies in the NZ fuel market.
