SUPPLY OF BENZINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1920, Page 4

SUPPLY OF BENZINE.

BOARD OP TRADE STATEMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night; The President of the Board of Trade (the Hon. E. P. Lee) informed a report* to-day that in view of complaints made lately regarding the supply and price of ■ petrol, he had obtained a report from the Board of Trade as to the position. . In respect to the price, although the . retail price of benzine was governed by the Order-in-Council, published on February 12th last, the Board of Trade exercised Us powers, under the Petrol Regulations of 1018, to allow an increase in the price when special conditions justified such an action. Documents in connection with each shipment arriving in, the Dominion arc submitted to the Board by importers, and after fully checking same the prices are adjusted generally Willi cargoes arriving direct to Wellington. , The gazetted prices arc not exceeded, but during the past few months benzine has been in short supply in Wellington, and the Board has found it necessary to transfer stocks from other ports, 'and freight and handling charges have had ta be allowed for. Recently a shipment was obtained from Auckland to meet the local shortage, and the Board is now arranging for further supplies, probably from Cliristchurch, to tide Wellington' requirements over until the arrival or a direct shipment. Mr. Lee said lie would ljke to make the facts public, in view »>f complaints being received as to the increased price being charged to the public.