HOARDING PETROL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1841, 18 June 1918, Page 1

HOARDING PETROL.

AN ARTIFICIAL SCARCITY. The following extract from “Wheeling” gives an explanation of the difficulty of securing petrol in this country. “Wheeling,” in its latest issue, says: —

In view of so many rumours floating around the country respecting the shortage of petrol supplies, together with numerous complaints from motorists on having to pay up to 40s per ease for petrol, and in some instances 7s 6d per gallon, a representative of this journal called upon the importers of Big Tree petroleum products, to ascertain whether there was any foundation for these reports, and whether such extortionate prices as mentioned above were justified. Mr H. H. Newton, manager of the Big Tree department, stated that in certain up-country districts there was, undoubtedly, a shortage, particularly in benzine, but this had been created, to a largo extent, through wealthy squatters hoarding up supplies by purchasing stocks under different names and through several channels, to the disadvantage of the small buyer, who could only purchase supplies for current requirements. The effect of this has accordingly produced an artificial scarcity and prompt measures are now being taken to prevent the small user from being exploited. Mr Newton stated that his company were fully alive to the petrol position, and that after a full discussion with the Board of Trade upon the subject, it was resolved to give consideration to essential users, as classified by the National Efficiency Board, and that each applicant for petrol supplies was now required to fill in a form, stating for what purpose the petrol was required. On the hack of (he form was a graded list of users, and in this order would all applicants for petrol supplies bo considered.

Asked how his company hoped to stop exploitation, Mr Newton stated that 1 hey would supply Big Tree products to any essential users ex store, at current consumer’s price, subject to stocks being, available, hut no order would be accepted unless the purchaser furnished (ho particulars required on the application form, a copy of which would he mailed on request.

Mr Newton further stated that the conservation of petroleum produets was vitally essential to (ho welfare of this Dominion, for many users overlooked the facto that: amide supplies depended upon tonnage, tin plates, and the huge requirements of petroleum products for war purposes. Furthermore, with the depletion of staffs at tluj great refineries and oil fields, due to enlistments, refiners were hard pressed to eope with the demands made upon them, and this had been intensified owing to delay in getting supplies of the raw materials, due to transport difficulties and freight embargoes. Then again, it must not he lost sight of that the petrol position lias become more acute owing to the Russian and Roumanian oil supplies being cut off from the Allies; which, of course, meant that an enormously increased demand is being made upon America to make good the deficiency. Add to this the daily increase in the number of aeroplanes, submarines, motor lor-* ries, tractors, motor launches, tanks etc., and it will be appreciated that this Dominion has been well cared for in the matter of petrol supplies. Several shipments of Big Tree products are now en route to New Zealand, and with careful distribution these will go a long way to relieve the position.

In view of the above facts it seems to be high time for the Government to take some definite action to control the sale of petrol. The companies have already shown their willingness to assist in limiting supplies to essential industries, but another sound suggestion lias been put forward that petrol consumers should he made to supply compulsorily a statement of their present stocks of petrol, to assist in equality of distribution.