Petrol price gap widens: Country Australians paying up to 20 cents a litre more

Global oil prices have slumped to 18-year lows, but many regional Australians are still paying well above 130 cents a litre.

Pumped up: Petrol prices in Deniliquin are up to 140.4 cents a litre, compared to an average range of 1220124c/l in Melbourne Picture: Bob Barker

MANY regional Australians have been left stranded at petrol pumps paying 10 to 20 cents a litre more for unleaded fuel than capital city motorists, despite a global oil glut.

While Melburnians and Sydneysiders enjoy unleaded (Octane 91) petrol prices as low as 109 cents a litre and averaging 122-124v/l, those reliant on country town pumps are paying well above 130 cents a litre.

Some of the highest regional prices recorded by fuel monitoring service MotorMouth were, in Victoria:

WYCHEPROOF 136c/l

ELMORE 133.2c/l

TOCUMWAL 141.9c/l

BENALLA 133.9c/l

LAKES ENTRANCE 132.9c/l

In NSW

EUGOWRA (about 220kms due west of Sydney) 150c/l

DENILIQUIN 140.4c/l

LOCKHART 139.9c/l

BERRIGAN 139.9c/l

NARRANDERA 139.9c/l

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said coronavirus was having a significant impact on the Australian economy and every motorist in regional Australia deserves price relief during the pandemic

“Too often, regional motorists had borne the brunt of higher fuel prices and I’m making it clear the Government expects retailers to make things right and pass savings on immediately,” he said.

“With world oil prices plummeting to just over $20 per barrel, regional, rural and remote Australians must receive the benefits of lower prices at the bowser.

“I am pleased the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) has said fuel prices above 130 cents per litre are inappropriate and they are closely monitoring the situation.

“The Federal Government will continue to watch the actions of fuel retailers in regional areas very closely and we encourage the community to name and shame retailers doing the wrong thing.”