Comments on: Coles shamed for high petrol prices

By: Tim

Tim — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:21:38 +0000

Nobody appears keen to advocate alcohol fuels? Sure Coles have misleading pricing, because there are so few refiners of fuel and Coles have a huge buying power to obtain the best price; and then charge what they want. Perhaps the problem lies first in the fuel refineries apparent ridgidity in fuel pricing and secondly: in Coles marketing shams. Then again, it’s supposedly a free market – yeh right! Why not simply switch to methanol? After all, it produces more power, has been used in racing for years, runs cooler, is sustainable, and most importantly it is easy to produce. The ready availability alone would surely prevent Coles and Co ripping off consumers. It would certainly reinvigorate competition too.

By: Andrew M

Andrew M — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:27:02 +0000

i heard of a guy who use to carry fuel for woolworths in his tanker,
and he reported that the tanker is left stained inside.

the obvious answer is that they are dying the fuel to bring the colour up to the norm as they must put together a weaker brew for their servos

By: SteveV

SteveV — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:59:53 +0000

While we’re bashing Coles, I’ve been told by 2 completely different and independent mechanics to steer clear of Coles fuel for my motor cycle.

The mechanics have noticed a marked increase in fuel problems in m’cycles with this supplier.

Has anyone else heard of similar stories?

By: Andrew M

Andrew M — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:56:46 +0000

Davo,
i agree totally mate.
they reeled us in because we were to greedy to pay the extra 20c for the packet of cereal at the local independent grocer.
now as major retailers always do, they have gained market share and will control everything.

in QLD, supermarkets cant hold a liquor licence. so the smart likes of woolies and coles have bought the names of all the major liquor stores and continue to trade under the different banner. now after their plan has been in seed for 4 or so yrs (and for 2 of them the deals were great) they are charging like anything for their stock.

and why?
because they wiped out the competition by either purchasing them or stealing the sales during the 2 yrs where their prices were decent

By: Davo

Davo — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:38:04 +0000

Australians have themselves to blame.
We have allowed the retail market for food & fuel to be controlled between two duopolies by patronage.
The demise of our way of life will be complete once Walmart hits our shores.
Free trading,open markets?More like anything goes.
Utility retailing is another one to watch.
It all started with a claimed “saving” of 4 cents per Litre or the claim of everyday low prices(wages).
The savings at the pump don’t buy a small Maccas meal.

By: Andrew M

Andrew M — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:40:36 +0000

realcars,
then why dont you support your local IGA?
at least the profits dont go back to germany.

IGA also offers a fuel discount scheme, but unlike the others you can save the dosh by shopping at ANY servo not their specified one

Aldi’s food is all home brand stuff. go and price home brand for home brand prices between woolies and Aldi and you might be surprised.
Aldi dont sell Coke, they sell some swaheile brand.
you cant say woolies is a rip job because aldi sells united cola (or whatever) for 50c a bottle cheaper.

the mrs did a shop there once (due to influence from inlaws) and came home with icecream that tasted like plastic (ill take blueribbon for $1 more and actually enjoy it thanks)
and sausages with out flavour.

By: realcars

realcars — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:45:59 +0000

Have been giving Coles and their fuel a wide berth for a while as it is the same price as others or more with the discount.

I agree would be good if ALDI got into Fuel to mix it up a bit as they have done with groceries. Save a small fortune at Aldis and more of their range is Australian sourced than the other two.

Wish Aldi sold Grog in NSW to shake Woolworths monopoly in that sector.

Some country towns I hear are starting to boycott Woolworths and good on them as Woolworths /Coles aren’t happy until they put the little guys out of business.
They also set the inflated prices and huge mark ups on produce while giving a pittance to the farmers.

By: David

David — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:43:08 +0000

Don’t you get it? Stupid Govt. of the day let Coles/Woolworths get involved in the petrol ganme. Now they control food and petrol. What is left? I know the banking industry and then they have control over 90% of our income.The petrol industry is now in the hands of the only two food giants in Australia. They should have never been allowed into this area. The independants have all but vanished and with it competition.Buy a diesel car and make your own bio diesel. It is not hard.

By: Jimbo

Jimbo — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:35:24 +0000

I’m with Carl on this one.

“it’s impossible to SHAME the SHAMELESS!!!!”

By: VW_Freak

VW_Freak — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:24:45 +0000

Hey CA, I see you’re sourcing overseas servo pics again!