ACCC report exposes highest and lowest priced petrol retailers
Retailers delivering the best average prices have been revealed, with one of the country’s biggest supermarket chains named as the worst culprit. But this is what Melbourne motorists should look out for if they really want low prices.
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Aussie motorists filling up at independent petrol station chains have been getting best value at the bowser, a report has found.
Melbourne drivers choosing lowest rather than highest-priced retailers could pocket annual savings of $148 last year, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission research reveals.
But the potential savings were not as stark as those in Sydney at $343, Brisbane $229, and Perth $211.
United had the cheapest average unleaded fuel prices for major retailers in Melbourne in 2018, while Coles Express was most expensive, the report said.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said Melbourne had fewer independent outlets than other cities.
He urged price-conscious drivers to shop around and encourage competition.
“Motorists who want to save money on petrol should use fuel price apps and websites,” Mr Sims said.
“Consumers do not only benefit from the lower prices they find using these apps, but they also help reward retailers who actively compete on price.”
A Melbourne motorist buying petrol at the lowest instead of highest-priced retailer could save on average 5.7c per litre each time they filled up last year.
United was found to have the lowest annual average price, at 3.2c per litre below the market average.
Coles Express was the highest, at 2.5c above the market average, the report said.
Company-operated BP and Caltex sites were also above the market average.
Coles Express said Viva Energy took over its fuel pricing in March this year. This had allowed for a more consistent fuel offer across the Shell Coles Express branded network and improved competitiveness.
A spokeswoman also noted: “In addition to the 4c per litre fuel discount voucher received when spending a minimum $30 in Coles supermarkets, customers can also save 10c per litre by spending a minimum $20 in Coles Express stores. The discounts can be used separately or combined to save a total of 14c per litre.”
The ACCC analysed monthly and annual average retail petrol price data. It did not take account of supermarket shopper docket or other discount arrangements.
Prices were unavailable for Liberty and Shell sites in Melbourne.
The ACCC said regular unleaded petrol sold by high and low-priced service stations often came from the same sources.
Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association CEO Mark McKenzie said service stations’ business models and costs differed, with some focusing just on fuel and others broadening to other items.
Consumers were increasingly looking for clean outlets, and convenience goods such as groceries and prepared meals, he said.