BENZINE SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1920, Page 2

BENZINE SHORTAGE.

THE FUTURE OUTLOOK. A DIVERSITY OF OPINION. There appears to be a diversity of opinion respecting the future supply of benzine. One of the largest importers states that the outlook for the next few months at least is not of a hopeful character, while other large dealers are more optimistic. At the present time there is a marked shortage (a Wellington Times reporter was .informed), but shipments are close at hand, which will, when tiiey arrive, relieve the situation considerably. A vessel arrived last evening with a large cargo of benzine for Wellington, but so great is the demand that it will go into consumption at once. A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK The manager of one large firm stated that the outlook of supplies for the summer was distinctly bright. One of the greatest difficulties had been shipping, but space had now been secured, and under normal conditions, monthly shipments should come forward regularly for the next four months. Unfortunately, strikes ill America had to be contended with, he added, and the possibility of a vessel keeping her time-table was somewhat remote. There was, however, reason to suppose that the situation would be much better than it had been, and motorists could look forward to having all legitimate requirements fulfilled. "My firm has two shipments due to arrive next month," concluded the manager; "two in November, another in December, and one in January, 1921." ANOTHER OPTIMISTIC VIEW. "I don't think there has previously been so great a shortage of benzine in the Dominion as has been the case during the past three weeks," stated the bead of a large oil warehouse. "Shipments are . due in October, and it is safe to say that the situation for the next three months at least will be much easier. More shipping space is now available, but there is a difficulty in securing back freights. This adds to the cost of carriage materially, as provision is made by shipping companies when offering space to provide for a ship returning empty or almost so." "INSUFFICIENT FOR REQUIREMENTS."

Another merchant, when interviewed, stated that the cause of the shortage was due to the fact that the demand had outgrown the supply. He did not think the future position was at all hopeful. The supply of benzine, he said, had been worse than it had ever been, and it was impossible to deal with the orders which were being received, The stores had been empty for a week, and the, small shipments that were coming to hand went into consumption immediately.