Freight is carried around the world on oil fuels. Where cars use tens of litres, road and air transport uses hundreds and thousands of litres. Shipping, fishing and food production usage use tonnes. Nearly 40 per cent of oil produced goes to make products as diverse as tyres, computers, building materials, paints, antiseptics, detergents, fabrics, and cosmetics to name but a few.

Increases in oil prices mean these commodities, and their distribution, increase the price to the consumer. Subsidy on car fuels only increase the Government spend and deficit, and do not address the inflationary pressures on goods and distribution.

Europe is presently finding alternative power sources are well short on reliability and capacity, and far more expensive, again adding to costs and inflation.

D Hardie, Paengaroa.