The price of petrol is related to the international refining margin (based on Singapore), which sets the fee the big four (who together own Marsden Pt) must pay to refine their crude. But while petrol prices have been pushed up by high global refining margins (caused by a lack of refining capacity for whatever reason), New Zealand refining fees are capped under a deal between NZ Refining and the big four. This means motorists are immediately paying for higher refining margins, but BP, Caltex, Shell and Mobil are not. New Zealand's market is not competitive at wholesale level. So although there is retail competition, it makes limited difference to prices.
And I to my motorcycle parked like the soul of the junkyard. Restored, a bicycle fleshed with power, and tore off. Up Highway 106 continually drunk on the wind in my mouth. Wringing the handlebar for speed, wild to be wreckage forever.
- James Dickey, Cherrylog Road.
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