Pete McLean travelled to Dunedin from the Kapiti Coast to celebrate his mother’s birthday this week, but the trip proved a little more expensive than he expected after he filled the tank of his rental car at Gas Momona, owned by the airport.
On Tuesday he paid $2.47 a litre for diesel at the station, but noted BP Connect Bays Junction in Dunedin were offering diesel for $2.07.
However, the rental car had to be "filled right to the top" before being returned.
That left rental customers no other option than to fuel up at the airport’s station.
He believed the airport was setting the high price because visitors would have no option.
He understood the station was "in the middle of nowhere," but that did not excuse its prices.
"I don’t mind paying an extra 10c a litre. It’s just too much."
Yesterday, Gas Momona listed 91 petrol for $2.48, 95 petrol for $2.76 and diesel for $2.29.
Challenge Outram priced 91 at $2.37 and diesel at $2.17.
Closer to the city, NPD Green Island offered 91 for $2.21, 95 for $2.35 and diesel for $1.99.
BP Mosgiel listed 91 for $2.33, 95 for $2.51 and diesel for $2.09.
Dunedin Airport business development general manager Megan Crawford said petrol pricing were a dynamic exercise and the station’s prices were driven "purely by the purchase price".
On Tuesday it reduced its price for diesel based on its latest purchase.
"The updated price is very much in line with the Dunedin market, notwithstanding our remote location."
It adjusted sales prices whenever it received a new delivery, she said.
"As a relatively small site, we do not experience the same sales volumes as our larger competitors. As such, our prices may not move as quickly."
