The heightened price of fuel has hit Port Macquarie-Hastings businesses, who rely on its supply to carry out operations.
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On Monday, January 9 there existed a price discrepancy of over 20 cents between stations in town with some outlets pricing their unleaded petrol at 122.8, while others were 146.9.
While on January 13 the most expensive unleaded petrol was priced at 146.4, while the cheapest was 132.9.
Wauchope Parcel Express owner Troy Bell said that he goes through on average 5000 litres of diesel per month.
With the increase of fuel cost and if the prices stay the way they are, Mr Bell will be paying an extra $2000 per month in costs.
He said the increase of fuel prices is ‘bloody ridiculous’.
NRMA North Coast director Wendy Machin said that stations may be reacting to news that oil producing nations may reduce supply in 2017, and if that happens the price of fuel will increase.
However any reduction to supply has not been confirmed.
Mr Bell said he doesn’t understand how petrol stations can bump it up by as much as 12 cents overnight.
The increase of the price of petrol has occurred all along the coast.
Mr Bell has five employees who need to be paid.
He said that if the price of diesel remains the same for the next month, he will have to start charging his customers more, to ensure he remains profitable.
“I’ve got to make money so that I can feed my family too,” Mr Bell said.
If prices remain as they are now Mr Bell would pay an extra $24,000 a year in costs for his business as he relies on his vehicles to carry it out.
Ken Little who has a fruit and vegetable shop on Munster Street, Port Macquarie said while the increase of petrol prices do have an impact, the heightened cost is nothing compared to three or four years ago.
He said increased costs are ‘part and parcel’ of being in business.
Mr Little said constantly there are financial increases whether it be for car registration or insurance and it is up to businesses to factor in changes to budget effectively.
Ken Little's Quality Fruit and Vegetables provides a free delivery service for customers.
Mr Little said that the business has provided the service for 33 years and would continue to do so, despite an increase of fuel cost.
If there is no change to fuel prices, Mr Little said that the business will have to increase costs where it can.
