Aussie Woolworths petrol biz is pumping

The food company says the sites will be progressively converted to Woolworths' Plus Petrol sites and, including other openings planned over the next 12 months, will take the total number of outlets to 260.

Liberty Oil will continue to supply wholesale fuel to the sites under existing arrangements with Caltex Australia.

Woolworths Australia CEO, Roger Corbett, says Plus Petrol has been a major factor in the areas where it operates in holding down pump prices.

Under a discount arrangement, the company's supermarket shoppers are given coupons that take at least 2 cents per litre off at the retailers' pumps.

Mr Corbett says since the first outlet opened five years ago, over 70% of all fuel sold through Plus Petrol's outlets has been purchased under the discount scheme.

"Acceptance of the Woolworths' Plus Petrol offer has exceeded expectations and is a clear demonstration that the competition introduced into the retail fuel sector by Woolworths is delivering both improved service and lower prices."

Under the company's petrol pricing policy it aims to match the lowest petrol price within 3km of any outlet, while shoppers who spend at least $30 at the company's retail stores are given coupons for the further discount.

The company says the primary focus for the concept to drive additional sales through both Woolworths supermarkets and Big W stores.

Woolworths' shares have been on a strong upward trend this year, rising around A$3 to over A$10.00.

The Australian company is touted as a potential buyer of Woolworths stores in New Zealand, although Perth-based Foodland (NZSE: FAL), which owns the Foodtown, Coustdown and 3 Guys chains, is also interested.

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