RACQ slams unfair Christmas fuel price hike

RACQ19/12/2025
News
Some fuel stations across Greater Brisbane have hiked their regular unleaded prices to a whopping 215.9 cents per litre (cpl) in the past 24 hours, putting pressure on household budgets just a week out from Christmas.
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RACQ’s Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist, Dr Ian Jeffreys, has called out the fuel companies, labelling the hike an unjustified cash grab.

“This hike is simply unfair – there is no good reason for fuel companies to be increasing their prices this close to Christmas,” Dr Jeffreys said.

 

“Throughout 2025, fuel price cycles have typically lasted between five and six weeks, but the latest cycle has lasted just four weeks, and fuel companies are already moving back into the hiking phase.
 
“We believe some retailers may have deliberately shortened the last cycle so they could hike their prices again in time for Christmas and New Year.”
 
Dr Jeffreys said stations charging the new high price of 215.9cpl have fattened their indicative retail margin to 51.6cpl.
 
“The difference between the cheaper sites priced at 165.9cpl and those who’ve hiked is a staggering 50cpl or more – if you filled up an average 50-litre tank, that’ll cost you an extra $25,” he said.
 
"An extra $25 is a big hit for families at this time of year and we’re calling on the stations that have hiked to do the right thing and lower their prices back down.”
 
The fuel stations that have hiked their price for regular unleaded to 215.9cpl so far are the Shell Ready Express Rocklea, Shell Reddy Express Kallangur, Caltex Loganlea, Caltex Murrumba Downs and Shell Ready Express Marsden Park.
 
As a longer-term solution, RACQ is advocating for market regulation to stamp out unfair and unjustified price hikes.
 
“Earlier this year, the Queensland Government confirmed it was considering RACQ’s proposals to regulate the fuel market, and we’re now working on modelling to help make market regulation a reality,” said Dr Jeffreys.
 
“Queensland’s capital has consistently been one of the most expensive for fuel in the country, and it’s clear the market isn’t working in the best interests of motorists – that needs to change.”
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