The ACCC inquiry into petrol prices will hold a public hearing in Hobart tomorrow (Friday, May 10).

The main witnesses will be the Tasmanian Government, the RACT, and Dr David Crean MLC, the chairman of the Tasmanian parliamentary committee that examined petrol pricing in the State. The committees report will be included as part of the evidence to the ACCC inquiry.

The inquiry is reviewing the present method of regulating wholesale petrol prices throughout Australia. The oil majors have already presented their case and are arguing for deregulation of petrol prices.

The Commission is also examining the disparity between city and country prices and has been asked to recommend any measures that might sharpen competition in rural markets. The ACCC is scheduled to submit its report to the Commonwealth Government by July 31.

Details of the Hobart hearing are: Time: 10am, Friday, 10 May Location: Westside Hotel 156 Bathurst St Hobart