25/01/2012

Mackay motorists paid almost 15 cents per litre (cpl) more for unleaded petrol (ULP) in 2011 than 2010, according to RACQ’s Annual Fuel Price Report, released today.

RACQ Executive General Manager External Relations Paul Turner said the average price of ULP in Mackay was 142.2 cpl which is an increase of 14.8 cpl from 2010.

“It’s disappointing to see fuel prices in Mackay were higher than other key regional cities, including Toowoomba (136.3 cpl), Bundaberg (142.1 cpl), and Townsville (141.6 cpl),” Mr Turner said.

“The high price of unleaded petrol in Mackay is largely due to poor competition between retailers.”

Mr Turner said the price of ULP rose sharply in the first half of 2011 as a result of uncertainty in the international oil markets caused by political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East and natural disasters.

Mackay motorists who use diesel also forked out more in 2011.

“Caloundra, Ipswich, Caboolture, Maryborough, Warwick, Toowoomba and Hervey Bay were all cheaper than Mackay, which averaged 146.9 cpl for diesel. However, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Gladstone were all more expensive, averaging 147.1cpl,” Mr Turner said.

Townsville proved to have Queensland’s cheapest diesel at 145.3 cpl.

The full Annual Fuel Price Report 2011, daily fuel price information and places to purchase cheap fuel are available at www.racq.com.au/fuel.
 
The RACQ’s annual survey of fuel prices is based on average monthly price data provided by independent fuel price monitors MotorMouth and FUELtrac Pty Ltd.