PETROL PRICES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 December 1939, Page 4

PETROL PRICES

FURTHER INCREASE TAKES EFFECT. ECONOMY IN USE URGED. Petrol prices in Masterton. in common with other parts of New Zealand, were increased by Id per gallon this morning. The retail price of petrol in Masterton is now 2s s:,‘d for ordinary grades, and 2s Gjd for super grades. It was stated in Wellington last night that full details of the companies' increased costs had been submitted to the Department of Industries and Commerce, which, after investigation, approved of the increase. The requisite amending regulations werd gazetted last night, and take effect immediately. The increase is stated to be entirely due to higher f.o.b. costs, freight and war risk insurance. The need for economy in the use of petrol throughout the motor transport industry is stressed in a joint statement issued yesterday by Messrs J. H. Kirkwood, president of the ,New Zealand Carriers' Federation, and J. B. Cullen, president of the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance. They state that they are convinced that it is essential. in the interests of the Empire that the industry should co-oper-ate 100 per cent with the Governments both of New Zealand and Great Britain in the conservation of petrol as a matter of war emergency. Masterton petrol retailers report fairly good business, though, of course, it shows a decrease compared with the corresponding period of last year. Motorists appear to be taking advantage of the present freedom of restriction to enjoy holiday tours or a visit to the Exhibition, as they have in mind the recent statement of the Government that restrictions are likely to be reintroduced next year.