Gasoline Prices and the Public Interest
The Consumer Advocate's Report on Gasoline Prices
in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador

Dennis M. Browne, Q.C.
December 1997

STUDY ON GASOLINE PRICES
PROVINCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

329 DUCKWORTH STREET
P.O. BOX 173
ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND
CANADA A1C 5P5

December 1997

The Honourable Ernest McLean
Minister of Government Services and Lands
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1B 4J6

Dear Minister:

Pursuant to Cabinet directive M.C. 97-0418, I respectfully submit the Consumer Advocate's Report on Gasoline Prices in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador entitled: Gasoline Prices and the Public Interest.

Dennis M. Browne, Q.C.
Consumer Advocate

CONTENTS

Summary and Recommendations

Acknowledgments

Terms of Reference

Chapter One

Forward
Methodology
Consumer Concerns

Chapter Two

Definitions
Description of the Industry
Crude Oil Supply and Refinery
Crude Oil Price vs Pump Price
Wholesale Market
Retail
Taxes
Anatomy of a Price War
Price Variation Between Provinces

Chapter Three

Trend - Rationalization
Effect of Rationalization on Level Competition

Chapter Four

The Response
Other Jurisdictions
Monitoring
Publication
Current Level of Monitoring
Posting Price
Exit and Entry Barriers
Specific Entry Barriers
Exit Barriers
Role of Independents

Appendix A:

Questionnaire

Appendix B:

Consultations