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Review of Port Charges Comes After Accusations of Price Gouging

A review of charges at one of Western Australia's bulk export ports is underway after complaints from industry over 'price gouging'.

A review of charges at one of Western Australia’s bulk export ports is underway after complaints from industry over ‘price gouging’.

Under sustained pressure from industry groups, Mine Minister, Bill Marimon has announced that the Department of Finance would review Pilbara Port Authority’s charges for the Utah Point Multi-User Bulk Export Facility.

CEO of the Association of Minerals and Exporation Companies (AMEC), Simon Bennison, welcomed the review saying

“This is a good starting point however the Pilbara Port Authority is not an isolated issue. AMEC encourages the Minister to broaden the review to other ports in Western Australia where price gouging is an issue,” Mr Bennison said.

“AMEC raised concerns of price gouging on port charges with the Minister for Finance, Bill Marmion, and the Treasurer, Mike Nahan, and remains concerned that charges are excessive and inequitable between users.

Mr Bennison said that during his discussions with the MPs, he had requested the Government undertake a review to stimulate a reduction in port charges, including the port improvement fee.

“Following these approaches to the Government, the Pilbara Ports Authority announced it would hold prices at current levels until at least 1 January 2016. This was positive but does not go far enough, ” Mr Bennison said.

“The review of the Pilbara Port Authority’s charges at Utah Point must now be extended to address excessive and inequitable charges across other ports,” said Mr Bennison.

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