Fed: Petrol retailers will have identities protected, says ACCC

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2000
Fed: Petrol retailers will have identities protected, says ACCC

CANBERRA, Aug 24 AAP - Petrol retailers informing on whether oil companies were passing
on the rural fuel rebate would have their identities protected, the consumer watchdog
said today.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has widened an investigation
into whether the $500 million rebate was being passed on by Shell and Caltex to include
BP and Mobil.

ACCC chairman Allan Fels said the publicity had brought forward more franchisees and
service station owners, normally reluctant to speak up, and encouraged others to come
forward.

"It is true many people are scared but we take extensive precautions to protect their
interests," Professor Fels told the Nine Network.

"For example, if they give us information we wouldn't directly or indirectly use it
with an oil company in a way that discloses their identity.

"There are lots of ways of disguising heavily any sources of information that we may have."

Professor Fels inquiry would take a few weeks to establish whether breaches had occurred.

He said he was unhappy with Shell's response.

"On the face of it, the letter (to service stations) sets up an example of how prices
are to be adjusted both by Shell and by the retailer in the light of the grant," Professor
Fels said.

"The most obvious reading of it is that Shell is reducing the normal price support
or discounts that it gives to the service station to match the extra grant that they're
getting."

AAP fh/mk

KEYWORD: PETROL ACCC (CARRIED EARLIER)

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