Benalla petrol station taking the pressure off the pump

Although fuel prices have grown exponentially this year as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, providing an ease in cost-of-living pressures locally is far from a new initiative for the business.

“We’ve done it before, prior to the war, we used to do it,” owner Dave Sharma said.

“But then, the prices were so out of control – it’s just gotten to the point that a lot of people are struggling, with the fuel situation and everything else as well.”

Mr Sharma said, this time, the discounts sparked from conversations within the community.

“We get requested by a lot of the locals to help the seniors because they are on pensions, and pensions are generally not that high, so we’re trying our best to support them,” he said.

The petrol station’s fuel happy hour is applicable to all people for 60 minutes from 5pm every day.

During that period, every fuel grade gets a two per cent discount for every customer.

Recognising tough financial strains faced by many, Mr Sharma said it was all about giving back to local residents.

“We try to support and give back to the community as much as we can during this tough situation,” he said.

“They’re the ones who’ve been supporting the business — you can’t just be taking, taking, taking.”

He said, after a year of running Metro Petroleum Benalla, it felt gratifying that the business was at a point where it could repay the community.

“The pleasure has actually been to give back,” he said.

“That’s the whole idea: to be able to get to the point that we can give back to the community as much as we can.”

Mr Sharma said he would also be happy to support residents who were struggling by providing food to those in need.

“We’ll be happy to give them anything to get them through the day,” he said.

Seniors can access their fuel discount by showing their Seniors Card or ID at the registers after filling up.

Metro Petroleum Benalla is located at 5913 Midland Hwy.