PORT Macquarie's business leader is taking the fight against the town's soaring petrol prices to the highest level.
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Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce president Hadyn Oriti yesterday filed a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about local prices.
It was while filling up yesterday that Mr Oriti noticed the outrage of the customer behind him at the local price of fuel.
"I was in Sydney during the Christmas and New Year's period and noticed how low prices were, and I understand they're even lower now," Mr Oriti said.
He has also complained to Coles Express about them mis-using their market power to profit gouge motorists.
"For the standard price to be so high here is just outrageous," Mr Oriti said.
The chamber understands businesses in a well-functioning market are entitled to charge the prices they consider appropriate, he said.
"But I don't think the market is operating fairly, and it hasn't done so for years."
Under part 7A of section 95E of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 the ACCC can conduct prices surveillance in markets where 'competitive pressures are not sufficient to achieve efficient prices and protect consumers'.
The Federal Minister for Consumer Affairs, Bruce Billson, recently instructed the ACCC to start more targeted monitoring of the fuel industry.
In an emailed statement yesterday, ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the new direction "empowers the ACCC to take a close look at geographic areas that are of particular concern".
"While fuel prices are set by participants in the relevant market, the ACCC will analyse markets that do not appear to be functioning well."
The ACCC could not say yesterday if it would conduct price surveillance in Port Macquarie.
"The ACCC will be providing further information on its new reporting framework in January," Mr Sims said.
Lyne MP David Gillespie said a number of his constituents had contacted him expressing concern about the slow pace of petrol prices falling here compared to Sydney.
A spokesman said Dr Gillespie has written to Minister Billson and requested a review of Mid-North Coast fuel prices and market factors.
"He has also raised it directly with the ACCC, and the ACCC has indicated they are monitoring prices," the spokesman said.
Mr Oriti, however, hopes that petrol providers will realise the error of their ways before harsh action is taken by the nation's business watchdog.
"I'd like to think market operators themselves will come to their senses and not continue to charge inflated prices for fuel.
"It's not good for Port Macquarie, and it's not good for business."
Locals can contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502 with evidence of anti-competitive behaviour in the Hastings.