Calls to make it easier for motorists to find the cheapest fuel

As petrol tops 2.20 a litre in Melbourne, motoring bodies are calling for one change to make it easier to find the cheapest fuel.

James Ojelana is frustrated at the soaring prices of fuel. Picture: Jason Edwards

As fuel costs continue to rise, there are fresh calls for the state government to implement a petrol price reporting scheme to help motorists find the cheapest tanks in Victoria.

Victoria is the only state without a mandatory program which requires petrol stations to regularly notify the government about their changes.

The data is made available to the public so competitive pressure is put on service stations in order for drivers to find the cheapest price in their local area.

Motorists are currently flocking to crowdsourced sites including Petrol Spy and Fuel Price Australia as unleaded petrol has crept above $2.20 per litre in some parts of Melbourne, partly driven by the war in Ukraine.

The state last looked at the possibility of a mandatory reporting scheme in 2017 during an inquiry but a parliamentary committee ruled it out and urged motorists to use private websites and apps instead.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said crowdsourced sites weren’t always reliable.

“Retailers aren’t duty-bound to post live prices, which means they often go days without updating their information,” he said.

“This could mean there’s a big price difference when motorists show up at the pump.”

Mr Ford urged the state government to reconsider the scheme in order to “put the power back” in consumers hands.

He said without fast and reliable information, motorists were forced to drive around to find the best prices.

“Fuel is a major expense for most households,” he said.

“It will set you back $110 to fill up a 50 litre tank at some of the dearest prices on today’s market, which is nearly $2500 per year on average.

Mum-of-three Anna Li said she supported a scheme.

“Something needs to be done because these prices are ridiculous,” she said.

“If other states have it, I’m not sure why Victoria hasn’t jumped on board.”

Mr Ford said price reporting was crucial for motorists.

“Sometimes a better deal is hard to find but strike at the right time and you’ll find there can be a considerable difference between the cheapest and most expensive deals on the market which is why price reporting is so important for Victorians,” he said.

A RACV spokesperson said it was important for motorists to keep an eye on the latest prices to secure the best deal.

“The trend for fuel prices is difficult to predict and will depend on a range of factors including geographical area, availability, international benchmark prices, taxes, the value of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar, and levels of competition in different areas,” they said.

RACV senior manager Peter Kartsidimas said last year that the organisation would welcome the introduction of a reporting program.

“We are not sure why this hasn’t been implemented in Victoria, but we believe the introduction of a mandatory petrol price reporting system would provide Victorians with more accurate and up to date information to help save money at the bowser.”

Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne was contacted for comment.

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