Petrol prices 'more competitive'

The Peninsula has seen greater competition in the local fuel market since the opening of the Woolworths petrol station in Umina earlier this year, according to Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales.

"The Peninsula Chamber has certainly noticed greater competition in the local fuel market since the refurbishment of the Coles Express fuel outlet and the opening of the Woolworths Service Station at Umina Beach," Mr Wales said.

"Fuel prices are certainly more competitive which we believe to be a combination of increased local competition together with the drop in crude prices in the Asia-Pacific region."

The beginning of September has seen an average price for petrol of around 120.6 cents per litre for unleaded fuel on the Central Coast, according to figures released by Motormouth.

Meanwhile the national average for the beginning of the month was at 123.96 cents per litre and 123.24 cents per litre across NSW.

In the middle of this period on September 8, the average unleaded petrol price on the Peninsula was recorded at 114.7 cents per litre.

"We were always very positive about Coles and Woolworths coming to Umina Beach as we believed that this would ensure that product quality and prices would improve.

"Without doubt we are seeing these improvements and that can only be good for the local consumer.

"It also creates opportunities for other local retailers to take advantage of the increase in foot traffic and the extra dollars that are coming to town."

Media statement, 8 Sep 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Email, 10 Sep 2010 Tim Rankin, Motormouth