Commissioner to investigate out of use bowser claims

Australia's Petrol Commissioner Pat Walker says he is keen to examine claims petrol stations are misleading people when marking bowsers 'out of use'.

Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen says a motorist has come forward to say he filled up his car four 'cheap' Tuesdays in a row from an 'out of use' bowser in Sydney.

Mr Bowen wants the claim investigated.

Pat Walker says there were similar claims during the Easter holiday period in Sydney but no systematic rorting was found.

Mr Walker says there are genuine occasions where bowsers are marked out of use and petrol can still be extracted.

"There can be genuine occasions where it would be possible to extract additional petrol out of an underground tank and that action is in good faith, if you like, by proprietors," he said.

"But having said that, we would want to satisfy ourselves that, you know, there are genuine reasons for this sort of activity taking place."

Mr Walker says it appears to be an isolated case.

"It's not part of what appears to be any sort of systematic arrangement or orchestrated campaign," he said.

"But not withstanding that, we're very keen to make inquiries, to talk to the owner of the service station etc."

He says there are hefty penalties if misconduct is proven.

Mr Walker says he will work with the New South Wales Commissioner for Fair Trading to investigate.

"We're keen to both work together because we've got some complementary powers and we're obviously keen to examine this particular allegation."

NSW Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney says her office has already investigated the motorist's complaint.

She says department officers were told the bowser is 'out of use' during the evening because it cannot be seen by the service station attendant and poses a security rise.

But Ms Burney says she is pleased Mr Walker has also been asked to investigate the claims.

"People need to understand that the Petrol Commissioner does have the role of monitoring these particular issues and is taking his job very seriously," she said.

... read original article
Thu 10th July 2008 - 02:10pm