28/06/2012

The RACQ is urging the Queensland Government to support the Commonwealth’s commitment to regulate fuel price boards to ensure motorists can make smart and economical fuel purchases.

In the lead up to the March state election, the RACQ campaigned hard for fuel price board regulation by the Queensland Government or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to bring an end to confusing and unclear information about fuel prices.

"We welcome the Commonwealth Government’s announcement today that it will work with all states and territories to look into the development of regulations for fuel price boards," RACQ Executive Manager Public Policy Michael Roth said.

"This is a win for the RACQ and motoring bodies across Australia, as collectively we have been seeking regulation and close monitoring of fuel price boards because motorists have been misled for too long."

Mr Roth said it was difficult for Queensland motorists to shop around for the cheapest fuel when often the displayed discounted price came with conditions that were not clear until they were actually paying for the fuel.

"RACQ wants it to be a requirement that retailers provide gross fuel prices – before discounts – on price boards in an agreed order and using an agreed naming convention.

"This will give motorists a chance to make informed choices about the fuel they purchase."

Mr Roth said future fuel price board regulation should be based on the following:

• Fuel price boards to be compulsory at all automotive fuel retailers

• Price boards to display fuels in an agreed order, with unleaded petrol (ULP) displayed at the top – or E10 if ULP is not supplied

• Each fuel price to be clearly and consistently labelled according to an agreed naming convention

• Fuel retailers to display the current gross price of all fuels sold at the site – and to exclude discounts that only apply to select customers.