But, instead of spinning the black circle on a record player, the four black circles that most of us use to traverse this city have been under an oppressive rule of high fuel prices.

Whether it is a case of being a victim of location, the lack of genuine competition, or both, Wagga motorists have had to pay a high premium to keep the city’s wheels turning.

Enter a new player to shake up competition.

The independent lauded with keeping the cost of petrol down on other regional centres has thrown its hand into the ring. 

The Australian-owned family business APCO will set up shop on the busiest thoroughfare in Wagga – pending council approval – at the current Truck Art site on Edward Street.

The NRMA has repeatedly stated Wagga will continue to suffer higher prices at the bowser unless competition increases.

The company has been riding the oil companies, saying they are ripping people off – but its calls for change have mostly fallen on deaf ears.

While there now are a number of independent service stations across the city – they have not made the impact Wagga motorists were desperately driving for.

The country suffered the single biggest weekly jump in petrol prices in two years just last week.

And while we still rely on fossil fuels to travel, we will be exposed to fluctuations in prices as the global economy dictates.

Last week’s spike was blamed on the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) agreement in December to cut oil production as well as the falling Aussie dollar. 

It always seems to be the case of local petrol stations passing on rises the minute the international oil prices are hiked, but when they take a dive the well-travelled excuse of waiting for the supply to flow through to the bowser is traipsed out.

Until we get our water-powered cars of the future, we will be somewhat at the mercy of the oil companies.

Filling up the tank with petrol is one of the biggest weekly purchases for most Wagga families.

Will APCO deliver on its intent on “bringing real competition” to Wagga?

Only time will tell.