Electricity prices going up, up, up

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling on the state government to step in and make sure Novocastrians don't pay through the roof to keep warm this Winter.

An increase in wholesale electricity price of 50 per cent is said to be to blame for Hunter residents reportedly going to be paying up to $400 a year more for power from July

Last year, electricity and gas prices rose after the daily supply charges increased by up to 19.5%, and there are concerns this next pay increase will be too much for consumers to handle.

Sonia Hornery is particularly concerned about consumers in her electorate where there are a number of low income earners and pensioners.

"The increase is going to be an issue all across NSW, but in particular Wallsend because we have many low income earners in the area and many pensioners and people who are on the pension are on an absolutely limited income and are watching every dollar and cent that they spend."

The cuts to pensions and benefits are already making life a struggle, and this latest price rise could mean people affected will have to make the choice about keeping warm or not this winter.

"Some people will not be able to afford to turn on their heater this winter as a result of this increase - it is too much for some to cope with," said Sonia Hornery.

Soaring petrol prices in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter commuters are still paying top dollar at the bowser with prices in the region higher than the state average.

Prices shot up in the past week, jumping an average 6 cents per litre around the state, but in the Hunter prices have been up to 10 cents higher than the average.

A number of petrol stations increased their prices overnight to 144.3 cents and higher, with the wholesale price 20 cents cheaper than what we are paying.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury says there is a reprieve on its way and prices should start to fall.

"We expect prices to fall, they should've started falling and they should fall. The gap between the retail and the wholesale price is - certainly in Newcastle's case - about 20 cents per litre on average. That gives you an idea of the profit margins the major oil companies are making and we think the fall should happen to around 120 cents per litre."

NSW Government website FuelCheck and the fuel app is just one way commuters can find the cheapest fuel in the region.

Petrol price hike in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With Christmas fast approaching, petrol prices in the Hunter are rising even further with an NRMA study finding Maitland has had the highest price hike in the past week, with unleaded petrol rising 11.6 cents per litre.

Prices at the bowser Goulburn isn't far behind with a 6.8 cent rise and Muswellbrook isn't much better averaging a 6.5 cent per litre price rise.

Regional areas across the state are experiencing higher than usual price rises with Buladelah paying 135.4 for unleaded and Gundagai paying not much less, 135.2.