For immediate use
July 4, 2008
Explaining the increase in numbers of pre-pay service stations.
Motorists may now be noticing a recent increase in the number of pre-pay service
stations, when they are purchasing fuel.
Some may think this ‘pay up-front’ system is inconvenient or offensive, but there is a
valid reason for it.
“Unfortunately, as a direct result of the rapid rise in fuel prices, there has been
increasing incidence of drive-off theft from service stations, where customers leave
the premises without paying for the fuel they pump into their vehicles.
“This is stealing and motorists should be warned they will get caught if they do it,”
VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“In the VACC’s view, pre-paying for fuel is the most effective method of preventing
drive-off theft.
“The rapid rise in petrol prices does not mean service station owners and operators,
particularly independent operators, are making huge profits.
“In fact, many independent service stations run on the barest of thin margins on the
fuel they sell.
“Many independent owners and operators do not have access to fairly-priced
wholesale fuel supplies. The big oil companies and their supermarket partners have
near total vertical control of the market and are squeezing out the independent
sector.
“Independent service station owners are struggling under the domination of the oil
majors, and many have closed. The loss of independents from the industry has
meant that the days of competitive discounts may have gone.
“It was the independents who drove prices down.
“So anyone who drives off without paying is often hurting a fellow Aussie who is also
battling to survive in these challenging economic times. So, we ask for a bit of
understanding and forbearance by motorists for the slight inconvenience of pre-
paying at the pump,” Mr Purchase said.
Ends.
NEWS 
