South Australians are seeing significant financial relief at the fuel pump, with more than $20 million saved annually due to the State Government’s implementation of a real-time fuel price monitoring program. According to a recent report from the RAA, the average motorist is now saving approximately $315 per year.
The RAA’s findings reveal that the scheme is especially beneficial amidst the continuing surge in fuel prices, driven primarily by global inflationary tendencies and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East. The average cost of unleaded petrol in Adelaide has jumped from 149c per litre in 2021 to 192c per litre this year. In this economic climate, 74 per cent of surveyed motorists reported spending over $100 each month on fuel, compared to 36 per cent in 2021, illustrating the growing financial burden.
Fuel price monitoring empowers drivers to make cost-effective decisions by providing timely information on fuel price fluctuations. Retailers must upload their updated prices to a central database within 30 minutes of any change at the bowsers, ensuring that the data motorists receive is consistently accurate and up-to-date.
This initiative supports consumer choice, allowing users to consult various apps such as Petrol Spy, Motor Mouth, the RAA app, and others to find the most affordable fuel options. Current reports show that around 65,000 South Australians actively use the RAA app each month, realising collective annual savings of about $20.5 million.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) maintains active oversight of the scheme, ensuring compliance through regular inspections. Since its launch, CBS has conducted over 2800 inspections, addressed 1921 complaints, and issued multiple penalties, ranging from on-the-spot fines to larger sums imposed through court proceedings.
Those found in violation of the reporting requirements face serious penalties, including fines up to $10,000. This stringent enforcement is critical in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the service. Moreover, the public plays a crucial role, with CBS urging anyone who notices discrepancies to make a report directly to their office.
Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, has called the scheme a “game changer” for state residents, stressing its importance amid escalating living costs. “Each year, South Australians are saving more than $20 million at the bowser thanks to live fuel pricing,” Michaels stated. She highlighted that this enables citizens to “offset the rising price of fuel” by choosing the most economical refuelling times.
Mark Borlace, an RAA fuel expert, echoed the sentiment regarding the positive shift in consumer behaviors: “It’s encouraging to see more people shopping around before filling up—it shows a positive change in consumer behaviour.” He also noted that despite the widespread benefits, there is potential for even greater savings if more drivers start leveraging these digital tools.
To find the cheapest fuel near you, download the RAA app or visit https://www.raa.com.au/motor/safety-and-advice/fuel