I am writing to express my concern over the persistently high petrol prices in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Despite a significant drop in crude oil prices by over 20 per cent and refining margins by over 50 per cent throughout 2024, we are still paying around $2 per litre at the pump.
The exchange rate between the Australian dollar (AUD) and the US dollar (USD) has remained relatively stable, eliminating currency fluctuations as a factor. The only plausible reason for the continued high prices seems to be the cost of delivering fuel to our region.
However, it is hard to believe that delivery costs alone can justify such high retail prices. It feels as though consumers are being unfairly burdened and are not receiving the benefits of reduced production costs. It feels like we’re being taken for a ride, and not the kind where we actually get somewhere. We deserve to know why the savings aren’t trickling down to us.
Could someone explain why, despite favourable market conditions, petrol prices remain exorbitantly high in our area? It is crucial for transparency and fairness that we understand what factors are driving these costs and why they aren’t reflected in the prices we pay.
I urge the relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to address this issue and provide the community with a detailed explanation.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
