Shopper docket fuel deal under the pump

The ACCC will take a closer look at Coles' decision to extend it shopper docket fuel discount deal to see how it is affecting independent petrol stations. Picture: Ross Schultz Source: News Limited

A DECISION by Coles to extend its 8c-a-litre petrol discount until Easter will be investigated by the ACCC as part of its probe into shopper dockets.

The doubling of the usual saving means that Coles shoppers who've spent at least $30 in a single transaction can cut the cost of refilling a Holden Commodore at an affiliated service station by $5.68 per 71-litre tank.

The initiative has attracted the attention of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is already examining whether supermarket docket deals "in the long term lead to consumer detriment".

The fear is that the major supermarket chains will run independent servos out of business then jack up prices.

The consumer cop began an investigation into petrol discounts in July this year. While it has not publicly discussed details of its inquiries, it has said it is scrutinising the "size and duration of the discounts".

An ACCC spokesman said yesterday: "The current episode of extended discounting will be considered as part of that investigation."

However, history suggests the ACCC will probably not end up intervening. In 2004 it found shopper docket petrol scheme provided "significant benefits to consumers" and in 2007 it concluded that they "continue to generate a public benefit in the form of lower petrol prices for consumers, particularly with respect to price-conscious consumers".

Still, ACCC boss Rod Sims recently said that petrol remains, by a considerable margin, the top issue that consumers raise with him.

Coles brushed off questioning about the ACCC investigation, saying it was focused on helping customers save money.

"We know that families are looking to save money wherever they can," said Coles Express general manager Peter Short.

Woolworths does not have a current petrol offer beyond the normal 4c-a-litre discount, a spokesman said yesterday.

The current national average petrol price - $1.40/L - is about the same as it was a year ago, according to Australian Institute of Petroleum data.

And it is about 8 per cent or 12c/L cheaper than four years ago when a weaker Australian dollar was forcing up prices.

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