A WA service station chain is capping the amount of fuel customers can buy Statewide, just one day after Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen ruled out rationing.
Consumers pulling into Vibe Forrestfield on Wednesday were faced not only with soaring prices, but also hastily taped signs on bowsers informing them of purchase limits on bulk containers, like jerry cans.
“MAXIMUM: 100 LITRES PER CUSTOMER (BULK),” the sign said.
“Applies to all fuel containers (Emergency vehicles excepted).
“This limit is in place due to current supply restrictions.”
The decision to cap external fuel container quantities to 100 litres is not isolated to Vibe’s Forrestfield location, and has been applied to more than 50 service stations owned by Vibe Petroleum Statewide.
Vibe Petroleum said the limit does not apply to individual motorists fuelling up their vehicles, and exists only for external bulk containers to “extend our supply”.
It’s understood suppliers are slashing fuel retailers’ allocations by up to a third due to supply chain issues.
That’s despite the Energy Minister’s claims on Tuesday that Australia had not reached the threshold for considering rationing fuel.
“I’m not anticipating. I’ve been very clear, we are not anticipating that,” Mr Bowen told reporters at Parliament House.
“We’re not doing that (rationing) because we don’t believe at this point that’s what is the best solution.”
Extracted in full from: https://www.perthnow.com.au/wa/vibe-petroleum-sets-caps-on-bulk-fuel-purchases-statewide-in-bid-to-extend-supply-amid-supply-problems-c-21986901
