North West motorists will be able to compare local petrol prices, following the launch of a state government initiative that requires service stations to upload prices onto a website as soon as their petrol boards change.
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FuelCheck, launched on Wednesday as part of changes to the Fair Trading legislation, is an online tool providing consumers with real-time fuel price information covering every service station across NSW.
The NRMA said it is a win for the state’s motorists following years of campaigning for greater fuel transparency.
The motoring body also launched a new fuel app, where members can search for the cheapest fuel via price, location or fuel type.
“There will be more competition across the board, especially in places like Gunnedah where it’s mostly needed,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said.
“The service stations will drop their prices and what’s what we’re hoping to see in regional areas.”
NRMA president Kyle Loades said the new NRMA app will result in a significant power shift in favour or the public every time they fill up and change the petrol landscape in NSW forever.
“By forcing service stations to post prices in real time, the industry will receive some much needed transparency and more of the power will rest in the hands of the informed motorists rather than the oil companies.”
The launch of the app and government FuelCheck website follows a recent report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) which revealed motorists are paying the lowest petrol prices in 14 years after a fall in world oil prices and stable Australian dollar, yet retailers are earning higher margins than ever.
Motorists are not reaping the full benefits, especially in rural areas like Gunnedah, where motorists pay even more for petrol.
“Bowser prices for motorists last year were the lowest they’ve been on average for 14 years, but this report suggests that in order for there to be more competitive pressure on retailers, consumers need to shop around and reward those offering the best-priced fuel,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.