The big squeeze

Consumers are feeling the petrol pinch, but high prices at the pump have a far greater impact on business costs

Trying to cope with higher petrol prices by cancelling tomorrow’s drive down the coast? Spare a thought for businesses large and small that can’t make such easy choices. Petrol makes up less than 4 per cent of household spending, but its use permeates every facet of production in Australia.

Even your scrimping won’t shield you from higher prices that may soon be showing up in everyday goods

Back in 2001 when petrol was 80