Motorists are being urged to shop around for fuel these school holidays, as prices are fluctuating by 50c/L across outlets
The state’s peak motoring body says motorists could save $30 a tank if they shop around for fuel today – as prices are varying up to 50c/L across outlets.
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The state’s peak motoring body is warning motorists to shop around before filling up this school holidays, as fuel prices across Adelaide are varying up to 50c/L across retailers.
Various On the Run outlets this morning were advertising fuel prices at $1.47/L, while some Caltex retailers had prices set at 99.9c/L.
OTR Plympton, on Anzac Highway and Marion Rd was charging $1.47/L, while Caltex Plympton on Marion Rd and Cross Rd were selling fuel at 99.9c/L.
Other outlets near each other saw similar differences in prices. Costco fuel at Kilburn, on Churchill Rd set their prices at 94.7c/L this morning, while another outlet metres away, Coles Express at Islington, was advertising it at $1.47/L.
RAA spokesman Mark Borlace said motorists could save up to $30 a tank if they shop around for fuel with such varied prices on the market.
“The prices have really spiked within the last week,” Mr Borlace said.
He said companies charging low prices are probably attempting to lure customers in to the retail side of their businesses, while outlets charging almost $1.50/L are down on their volumes, so making up for that with high fuel prices.
Mr Borlace said assessing the past 10 years of fuel price data around events like Christmas, public holidays, long weekends and the start and finish of the school holidays has found companies often do not raise their prices according to events.
“What we’ve found is there’s not a strong correlation between events and spikes … it’s more coincidental.”
He said due to the pandemic, companies may be moving their petrol prices up near the school holidays as part of their marketing strategy.
For the start of the school holidays, motorists should shop around to save, Mr Borlace said.
“The trick for buyers today is if you can get it at a bargain, fill up.
Until aviation travel returns to normal, fuel prices will continue to fluctuate, he said.
“The natural underlying cost of fuel are probably going to remain where they are for the next 4-6 months.”