I refer to the letters, "Lowering fuel prices: Where's Case?" by Mr David Goh last Tuesday and "Petrol prices: It is time for motorists to let their wallets do the talking and regain some voice in this market" by Mr Han Chee Fong on Thursday.

We have made direct representations to the petrol companies on lowering fuel prices on several occasions. They have explained that various factors other than crude oil prices influence retail pump prices.

We urge petrol companies to explain their cost structures in a more transparent manner. This will help the motoring public better understand why reductions in crude oil prices do not lead to proportionate or corresponding cuts in retail pump prices.

Meanwhile, we will continue to monitor market conditions and review the feedback we receive, so as to raise the issue with petrol companies where appropriate.

We thank Mr Goh and Mr Han for their feedback.

Seah Seng Choon, Executive Director, Consumers Association of Singapore (Case)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Oct 21, 2008.