RACQ slams ‘greedy’ petrol stations as Gold Coast fuel prices soar

Fuel prices continue to soar across the Gold Coast as industry professionals slam “greedy” petrol stations.

PETROL prices on the Gold Coast have soared to as high as $1.71 a litre with the RACQ blaming “greedy” petrol stations.

Motorists in northern suburbs have been particularly hard hit, with average prices sitting at $1.63 in Pimpama and $1.60 in Upper Coomera.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said “greedy” petrol stations were taking advantage of motorists.

“We were expecting prices to be higher than usual at the peak, around $1.65 would have been reasonable,” she said.

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Fuel prices range between $1.34 to $1.71. Pic by David Clark

“But $1.71, that’s rorting, so retailers are taking advantage of motorists, taking advantage of the volatility overseas and way overcharging.

“It’s really up to motorists to be savvy shoppers, don’t fill up at the same servo you always fill up. You have to do some research.”

The shocking price gouge was clear on Olsen Ave yesterday, with a Shell selling unleaded for $1.71 and less than 100 metres up the road, a Freedom had the same fuel at $1.34.

Some Gold Coast suburbs have held out against the price hike, with Pacific Pines, Labrador and Southport still sitting at less than $1.40 a litre.

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Prices are expected to rise still as the fuel cycle reaches its peak, however it’s unclear how long until they start to lower.

Nerang motorist and postie Graeme Hodder said he has to fill up at least once a day and has noticed the sting.

Graeme Hodder has felt the sting. Pic Mike Batterham

“I just don’t understand why they’ve gone up so much, I’m just dumbfounded by the lot,” he said.

“I cannot get over how much it’s risen. I filled up Friday and even today the jump is phenomenal, I don’t know how they do it.”

Deputy LNP Leader Tim Mander echoed RACQ’s concerns.

“Gold Coast motorists have had a gutful being ripped off at the petrol bowser,” he said.

“There’s absolutely no justification for these sky high petrol prices and motorists should try and boycott those petrol stations that are purely taking advantage.

Motorists are now urged to be savvy at the pump.

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“The LNP has called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to fully implement mandatory real-time fuel price monitoring.”

Recent drone attacks on Saudi oilfields sent global fuel prices soaring, however as the rest of the world settles back down prices around Australia have stayed well above pre-attack levels.

Ms Ritchie offered a stern warning to petrol stations who continued “overcharging” motorists.

“We’ve been saying it all week that we will be calling out servos that are doing the wrong thing,” she said.
“We did it in Brisbane when we called out Caltex and Coles, those retailers way overcharging. RACQ will continue to monitor and call it out.

“But we need motorists to not just be appalled by it but to not fill up there.

“That’s the real key, you can’t just sit back and go, ‘Gee, that’s not right’, but fill up anyway, you have to do the right thing and drive on elsewhere.”

CHEAPEST FUEL ON THE GOLD COAST

*7 Eleven Southport — 134.5

Lot 4 Slatyer Ave, Southport

*United Merrimac — 136.7

112 Gooding Dr, Merrimac

*Puma Broadbeach — 136.9

75 T E Peters Dr, Broadbeach

*Caltex Starmart Broadbeach — 136.9

2745 Gold Coast Hwy & Australia Ave, Broadbeach

*7-Eleven Mermaid Waters — 136.9

1 Lakeview Blvd, Mermaid Waters