AA principal adviser of regulation and PetrolWatch spokesman Mark Stockdale said Gull's expansion into the South Island was good news for motorists who could expect more price competition. In recent years there has been an increase in price competition in the South Island, through other low-cost operators such as Nelson Petroleum Distribution (NPD) and McKeown expanding their networks across the South Island. North Island low-cost fuel brand Waitomo will also expand into the South Island. "The South Island should end up with the same level of price competition that we've seen across much of the North Island." Stockdale said Gull had likely not expanded into the South Island sooner due to challenges importing fuel into the South Island.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2019 01:41 UTC