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Here in Rotorua Gull are always a lot cheaper for diesel than BP, yesterday the difference was approx 15 cents per litre 147.9 as against 162.9. This doesn't include any card or supermarket coupon discount hence my question as why the AA continue to suport BP?

The AA’s weekly monitoring of fuel prices throughout NZ shows that the price of diesel at all brands, except Gull, is around $1.61/litre (BP is usually a cent dearer). Gull’s prices are remarkably low, in the past fortnight diesel import costs have risen around 10 cents per litre so it’s unusual that Gull have not raised their diesel prices yet, although they are usually always a few cents below the competition because they have lower overheads. Gull also sells biofuel-blended fuels (incl. biodiesel at their Te Ngae Rd station), which receives a govt. subsidy, and that may also explain their lower prices. For more information on fuel pricing see: http://www.aa.co.nz/petrolwatch/

The AA has partnered with BP and Caltex because between them they have a strong national coverage representing 40% of the service station market, which allows a high percentage of AA Members to participate in the AA Smartfuel programme. To date BP has delivered over $50m in direct benefits to AA Members through its participation in AA Rewards and now AA Smartfuel. Gull is a smaller retailer only based in parts of the North Island, and we are unable to partner with Shell/Z because they offer a competing loyalties programme.

Unfortunately, the AA has no control over BP’s fuel prices. However the AA Smartfuel programme does not preclude the AA from advising motorists to "shop around" for the best price, and to take advantage of discount vouchers or any price reductions that may apply from time to time.

Thank you for your reply, I might try that biodiesel now.