Ripped off at the bowser

THERE have been reports of fuel gouging in Mackay in the lead-up to Cyclone Marcia and if this is correct, it's disgusting opportunism.I've called for urgent action to investigate reports of massive price hikes at a number of service stations the day before the cyclone made landfall, including hikes of more than 20 per cent. If you've got evidence of these price hikes, I'd like to know about it. Such behaviour may not be illegal but it is certainly immoral and if leeches choose to profiteer from a natural disaster the community is entitled to know the facts.We need to get the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to see if fuel companies have broken the law by colluding over the alleged price hikes. I have also asked the Small Business Minister Bruce Billson to consider if there should be regulations against unjustified price gouging during natural disasters.Hard evidence of what price was paid at different times of the day or from one day to the next will build a case for the ACCC to investigate further and that information can be emailed to: fuel@georgechristensen.com.auI would urge locals who feel they have been ripped off to let their voice be heard directly through the proper channels.Remember it is not the person behind the counter that sets the price of fuel. It is most often the fuel companies themselves who control pricing.If you feel you've been a victim of fuel gouging, call the companies direct and let them know what you think.[box style="1 or 2"]Fuel companies can be contacted on the following numbers:BP Australia: 1300 130 027Caltex: 1800 240 398Puma Energy: 1300 723 706.Shell: (08) 9338 6600.Mobil: 1800 105 961....[/box]