This week, Jacinda Ardern accused fuel companies of profiteering and promised to fast-track laws to allow a market study by the Commerce Commission. The fuel companies denied 'fleecing' their customers, but official figures show margins have doubled in the last decade. Z Energy's arrival in 2010 is a major factor.
But what's really going on?
Are they fleecing their customers?
It's rare for any politician to accuse companies of deliberately over-charging their customers, but that's what Jacinda Ardern did on Monday as the Government moved to blunt the political damage of fast-rising fuel prices.
The Prime Minister took a leaf out of Shane Jones' book and accused fuel companies of padding their profits at the expense of their customers, although she stopped short of naming a specific company.
