Petrol prices have hit a year-high ahead of Easter

As families prepare to journey away for the Easter long weekend, petrol prices have hit a year-high. But RACT says the holiday period isn’t to blame.

TASMANIAN motorists are being stung at the bowser this week with petrol prices at a year high as families prepare to journey away for the Easter long weekend. But RACT says the holiday period isn’t to blame.

The national average price of unleaded petrol rose by 3.5 cents per litre to 145.3c last week according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, with Hobart’s prices well above the national average.

As of yesterday the average price for unleaded fuel in Greater Hobart was 151.7c/pl - a 4 cent increase since Monday according to CommSec’s fuel-watch platform MotorMouth.

It showed the average petrol price in Hobart in mid February was 139.9c/pl.

But RACT mobility services general manager Darren Moody said the price hike wasn’t caused by retailers jacking up their prices for the long weekend, but instead international wholesale prices were to blame.

“Petrol prices go up quicker than they go down,” Mr Moody said.

“I don’t think the fuel price increase is related to Easter. I’d be loathed to say retailers are doing it, and more inclined to think it’s a result of what international fuel prices are doing.”

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Mr Moody said he expected the upward trend to continue.

“We’re probably going to see these prices grow a little bit higher, at least in the short term, but it’s hard to get a longer term idea,” he said.

CommSec chief economist Craig James in January said Tasmania’s extra distance warranted about an extra five cents a litre more than other capital cities.

Mr Moody said Tasmanian fuel retailers were less known to pump up their prices over holiday periods compared to their mainland counterparts.

“We haven’t experienced it in Tasmania in recent times, we know it has occurred on the mainland quite regularly, but there’s no evidence to suggest it’ll happen here over Easter,” he said.

He said motorists travelling across the state over the Easter period should be mindful of some rural fuel stations ceasing operations on public holidays and advised motorists to make sure their fuel levels are high before embarking on long trips.

“Motorists should also make sure they’re well rested and not driving fatigued,” Mr Moody said.

“At the end of a long day or week it doesn’t make sense to drive three or four hours to a location, so road users should always consider safer, more appropriate options.

“Tasmanians should ensure their car tyres are in good condition and all under-bonnet checks are conducted.

“Car lights and wipers should also be checked to make sure they are fully functional.”

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