By Casey Neill
BELGRAVE police are facing a hike for fuel as an era ends at a town landmark.
Shell Australia has withdrawn its support from New Belgrave Motors.
The service station has occupied the 2 Monbulk Road site for 70 years, at least 60 of those as a Shell outlet.
But Shell fuel cardholders – including local police – will now be forced off the mountain to fill up after Shell de-branded the site.
“I don’t know why,” one of the business’ owners, Dick Krijt, said.
“They don’t think I sell enough petrol or something.”
“I hope it doesn’t affect business too much. It will to start.”
Mr Krijt said about 10 per cent of his customers paid using a Shell petrol card.
“It’s the convenience,” he said.
“The police use it all the time.”
Belgrave Acting Senior Sergeant Bruce Kent said his officers only had access to Shell fuel cards.
He said they would change cards if another major provider stepped in at the site.
“We’re just going to have to wait and see who takes it over,” he said.
Otherwise, they face a drive to Ferntree Gully every time they need to refuel, “which would be pretty inconvenient,” he said.
Liberal Monbulk candidate Matt Mills said police needed fuel available nearby.
“These conveniences are really important,” he said.
“There could be an emergency at any time.”
“Whether it’s busy or quiet, it’s never a good time to leave your area.”
Mr Mills said losing Shell was “a disaster” for Belgrave and surrounds.
“It exposes us and gives criminals a chance to get on top of our area,” he said.
Mr Krijt said he would continue to sell Shell fuel as an independent operator.
“It’s just the signs (that) will be different,” he said.
He has no plans to take another outlet on board.
“It’s not worth doing that. I’m too small,” he said. “They try to buy the site from you in that case.”
Shell Australia spokesman Paul Zennaro said the company de-branded outlets “from time to time”.
“We constantly review our network to make sure it meets our requirements and customer requirements,” he said.
Mr Zennaro said a recent review determined New Belgrave Motors “didn’t fit within our network plan” based on location, customer needs, and the volume of fuel sold.
He said Shell sites in Ferntree Gully, Emerald, Rowville, Silvan, Lysterfield were “only a short trip down the road”.
“We encourage all customers to use other sites if they are Shell card customers,” he said.
“We wish New Belgrave Motors all the best in the future.”
