As thousands of South Australians prepare to hit the road this long weekend, the State Government is ramping up efforts to help drivers save money at the bowser, launching a major fuel price compliance blitz across metropolitan and regional areas.
Inspectors from South Australia’s consumer watchdog will carry out more than 200 inspections over the coming week, checking that service stations are accurately reporting fuel prices under the state’s real-time petrol price monitoring scheme.
The scheme requires fuel retailers to update any changes to prices or fuel availability within 30 minutes, making sure motorists using fuel price comparison apps can access accurate, up-to-date information before filling up.
The inspections will take place across Adelaide and regional areas, including the West Coast, Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast.
According to the RAA, South Australians who regularly use real-time fuel pricing tools can save around $117 a year on average, adding up to an estimated $58 million in savings across the state annually.
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael Brown said, “Getting the best price at the pump is about knowing where to look. Real-time apps bring South Australians the cheapest petrol at their fingertips.”
Consumer and Business Services inspectors have already been busy this year. Since conflict in the Middle East began impacting global fuel markets, authorities have investigated nearly 400 complaints and conducted around 800 inspections of South Australian service stations. Those investigations have resulted in 22 fines worth more than $12,000 and a further 18 written warnings.
Current penalties for service stations that fail to comply with reporting requirements can include immediate fines of up to $550 or court-imposed penalties of up to $10,000. However, tougher measures are on the way.
The State Government has introduced reforms to State Parliament that would significantly increase penalties, with expiation notices rising to as much as $5,000 and court-imposed fines increasing to $20,000.
“Since the Middle East conflict began this year, we have investigated nearly 400 complaints and 800 inspections at South Australian service stations, resulting in 22 fines totalling over $12,000 and 18 written warnings,” said Brown.
The Malinauskas Government is cracking down. We are doubling our compliance officers and raising fines to $5,000 per offence. This blitz is a clear warning to service station operators: do the right thing or face the consequences.”
For motorists planning a road trip this long weekend, it could be worth checking fuel prices before leaving home, especially with inspectors now watching closely.
