Gladstone drivers pay for lack of fuel competition

LACK of competition means Gladstone drivers are paying too much for fuel, according to the motoring peak body RACQ.

LACK of competition means Gladstone drivers are paying too much for fuel, according to the motoring peak body RACQ.

Public policy boss Michael Roth said fuel prices in the region were priced above their recommended price of 154c per litre, and well above those in south-east Queensland.

"Unfortunately, the competition is fierce in some cities and not so fierce in others," Mr Roth said.

The price for unleaded fuel in Gladstone on Tuesday ranged between 156.9 and 158.9c per litre - up to four cents above RACQ's fair fuel price.

"Unfortunately the average retail price is higher than (RACQ'S fair fuel price), so service stations aren't being very competitive at the moment," Mr Roth said.

"We'd like to see fuel prices come down to below their fuel price of 154c p/litre."

In comparison, drivers in Rockhampton were paying 158.2c on Tuesday. In Toowoomba it was 152.6c, and Brisbane's best deal was just 139.7c, according to www.motormouth.com.au.

Mr Roth advised motorists to help drive prices down by fuelling up at the cheapest service stations in town, to encourage competition.

Originally published as Gladstone drivers pay for lack of fuel competition