Call to join international petrol boycott April 6-8

by Colin Espiner

New Zealanders are being asked to join an international three-day petrol boycott in protest against world oil prices.

An e-mail, believed to have originated in Queensland, urges motorists to join a world "gas-out" from April 6 to April 8.

Organisers say a similar one-day boycott in America and Canada last April resulted in a drop in petrol prices.

"It will take a little planning, but with some solidarity we have an opportunity to send a real world message where it's going to hurt the most," the boycott organisers say.

"If you're fed up with the constant rip-off by cartels and your government, tell them directly. Tell them you've had enough and join Australia's gas-out."

The Automobile Association is not impressed by the idea, however. "I hate to pour cold water over any idea where consumers want to get out and fight, but we're a mechanised society," said AA spokesman Geordie Cassin.

"I doubt very much they would get enough people involved to make a difference."

While a complete petrol boycott was impractical, motorists should make more effort to penalise the oil company that was first to move in each round of price rises. "That service station should be deserted. The only thing moving should be the tumbleweed blowing across the forecourt."

Motorists should also fax and write to their MP, urging a government inquiry.

Pump prices have risen 29c a litre in the last year. Prices have already risen 5c a litre this month, and oil companies are warning of further rises.

BP said yesterday that it was not particularly concerned at the prospect of a petrol boycott. Spokeswoman Jane Diver said she had not heard of American consumers forcing a back-down.

"I think most people are sensible enough to see through something like this. I know it sounds trite but I hope that people realise that we don't like putting prices up," Ms Diver said.

http://www.press.co.nz/2000/11/000314n02.htm

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), March 14, 2000