Make mandatory fuel price reporting permanent in Cairns

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RACQ has called for a commitment from both sides of politics ahead of the State Election to make mandatory fuel price reporting permanent in Cairns and across Queensland.
fuel pump
A two year trial of transparent fuel price reporting to give Queenslanders access to real-time information was due to expire in December.

RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said Cairns bowser prices had stayed reasonably low in recent months and the region remained competitive due to smarter shopping by drivers.  

“In areas such as Cairns, motorists are making more informed decisions and supporting servos offering the best deals thanks to access to real-time fuel prices,” Ms Smith said.

“In combination with lower oil prices, this has resulted in cheaper retail prices for motorists.

“Making use out of this data, takes the work out of driving around to find the cheapest fuel. Or even worse, filling up at the one closest to you which may be the dearest.”

RACQ research showed the monthly average price of unleaded petrol (ULP) in Cairns fell from 144.6 cents per litre (cpl) in February to 106.9cpl in May due to COVID-19 and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Ms Smith said while the global oil price had since recovered somewhat, Cairns prices were still relatively cheap with an average ULP price of 118.9cpl in August.

“Cairns motorists have been robbed blind by fuel companies in years gone by and we applaud locals for shopping around, making use of real time fuel pricing data, and using people power to drive down prices,” she said.

Ms Smith said the Club successfully lobbied the State Government to trial the scheme in Queensland and would continue to fight to ensure motorists received a fair deal at the bowser. 

“Ensuring real time fuel pricing data is here to stay is one of our key priorities ahead of the next month’s election and one that’ll put more money back into the pockets of Queenslanders at a time when it’s needed the most.” 

RACQ’s Fair Fuel app has been downloaded more than 135,000 times and has more than 37,000 active users every month.

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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.