Petrol prices rise

File photo / Brett Phibbs

The price of petrol at the pumps has increased today by five cents a litre at Caltex, BP, Shell and Mobil petrol stations.

Caltex, BP and Shell are now selling 91 octane petrol at 163.9 cents a litre.

Mobil and BP have also increased their price for diesel by three cents a litre to 104.9 cents a litre.

Automobile Association policy analyst Mark Stockdale said the AA is not surprised by the rise of petrol prices at the pumps.

"Unfortunately the international price reductions of a fortnight ago which led to drops at the pump have been reversed and international prices have gone up," Mr Stockdale said.

He said the AA is pleased that motorists have had a fortnight of
lower prices after reductions on July 14.

BP spokeswoman Diana Stretch said the increases are due to a rise
in the international price of refined fuel which is how New Zealand petrol companies buy their fuel.

"The dollar is stronger but unfortunately it has not been enough to
protect us from an increase," Ms Stretch said.

She said since the last petrol rise on July 15, the international price of refined fuel has increased by 10 percent.

Shell spokeswoman Kylie Reeves said the increase in the petrol
price at the pump has come after an increase in refined fuel on the
international market but diesel had not moved.

Caltex spokeswoman Sharon Buckland said diesel has not moved at
the same rate as petrol for about 18 months now.

She said the recent increases in the international diesel price
had not been significant.

Mobil spokesman Alan Bailey said the price rise was due to competitors moving and the increase on the international market.

Meanwhile Gull is holding out increasing its prices at the pump.
Retail business manager Graham Stirk said the company will not
be raising prices today.

"The rise on the international market is putting pressure on
margins but we're comfortable where we are at the moment," Mr Stirk
said.

Shell
91 Octane: 163.9 cents a litre
Diesel: 101.9 cents a litre

BP
91 Octane: 163.9 cents a litre
Diesel: 104.9 cents a litre

Caltex
91 Octane: 163.9 cents a litre
Diesel: 101.9 cents a litre

Gull
91 Octane: 157.9 cents a litre
Diesel: 99.9 cents a litre