Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has hit out at the latest fuel discounts from Coles and Woolworths, saying they will crush independent service stations.
Senator Xenophon on Friday asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate the discounts, which go as high as 45 cents a litre for shoppers who qualify.
"This is a body blow for independent fuel retailers in South Australia, with a flow-on effect to independent supermarkets," he said in a statement.
"We might as well take a picture of these little guys now because they won't be around in years to come.
"It's just too tough for them to survive against these corporate giants."
Senator Xenophon said even though the latest promotions were short-term, the effects would be long lasting if independent service stations were squeezed out of the market.
Coles said its offer was linked to its flybuys loyalty program and offered discounts of varying levels up to 40 cents a litre depending on how much a shopper spent.
Woolworths said its offer was targeted at certain loyalty cardholders and could provide them with a discount of up to a 45 cents a litre.
The promotions at both stores began on Thursday this week and end on Sunday.
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