Pain at the pump fuels Douglas debate
Petrol Price Watch
Douglas Shire residents have said enough-is-enough over the pain at the petrol pump, hitting social media to call out the price blowouts at local service stations compared to Cairns fuel outlets and sharing stories of the extraordinary costs added to other items.
Graeme McAlpine kicked off the enthused discussion on the Port Douglas and Mossman Notice Board at the weekend noting the petrol price difference from Cairns to Craiglie.
“Unleaded in Cairns Sheridan St is 22c cheaper than Craiglie and that's not using discounts codes or shopper dockets,’’ he posted.
While consensus was it is “the norm” and has been for years that we you pay a premium in Port, plenty were on hand to point out the flow-on impact of high fuel prices and transport costs and defend local businesses.
“We up here get hammered on transportation,’’ said David Ohgh.
“For example. I purchased a car from Townsville. Delivery to Cairns was $300. Delivery to Port Douglas was $900. That is one example.
“I used to work at a place where there was a $60 per pallet charge to come from Cairns to Mossman.
“Rent up here is more expensive than Cairns. So you can start to see the problem.
“If you want services in our local Shire expect to pay a little more but be appreciative of the convenience. These businesses are not price gouging but are just trying to make a living.’’
Others, like Greg Carson, wanted to hunt down the “culprits”: “Does someone know the delivery cost of fuel from Cairns to Craiglie and then we can see who is ripping us off more…..delivery or the petrol station?’'
“Yes, we are getting rorted here,’’ added Belinda Barndon.
Regular Cairns commuters say they make sure they fill up in Cairns to avoid the higher costs, which Mr McAlpine suggested had become more excessive in recent times.
“I don't fuel up here if I can help it, I haven’t for years but I haven’t seen it this bad… 22c a litre difference that's just rubbish. I thought 18c was bad a while ago but I just had to post this.’’
One anonymous posted comment added that $15 extra a tank for the convenience of fueling up in Craiglie was fine by them.
“Just remember we are a tourist town!’’
Motorists can use the PetrolSpy app for updated fuel prices right across the country.
At the time of writing this article on Monday morning, there was a 22c difference in the cheapest fuel in Cairns - 157.5c - compared to Craiglie - 179.9c - while the cheapest fuel in the Douglas Shire was 173.9 at Raintrees Service Station, Mossman.
Mareeba’s best priced fuel was 175.9 at the BP.
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