Independent servos help drivers save

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released their latest fuel report which revealed in all capital cities, small chains and independents offered the cheapest prices for unleaded over the last four years.

RACQ spokesperson Clare Hunter said in Queensland independent retailers often held the most competitive prices. 

“Independent servos are regularly the ones offering the cheapest prices and during the high point in the price cycle they’re usually the ones to hold out with low prices the longest,” Ms Hunter said. 

“The ACCC’s data shows buying from a United rather than a Coles Express for example would have saved a Brisbane motorist $174 last year.

“The presence of independents helps drive competition so we should give them our business when they’re the cheapest fuel around.” 

Ms Hunter said the ACCC echoed RACQ’s position on the value of price monitoring schemes like Queensland’s mandatory fuel price monitoring. 

“It’s not a blanket rule that independent brands will always be the cheapest, some brands like Freedom Fuels are priced above average,” she said. 

“That’s why it’s so important drivers shop savvy and use the real time fuel monitoring information available, like RACQ’s Fair Fuel Finder, to locate a good price to fill the tank.

“By applying that market pressure, you’ll be saving yourself at the pump, but also indicating to that retailer that you’ll reward them with your business.”